Wendy Aiko Chioji
October 20, 1961 - October 7, 2019
Wendy Aiko Chioji
October 20, 1961 ~ October 7, 2019
Chioji, Wendy.jpeg
Wendy was born on October 20th, 1961 in Oxnard, California, the daughter of Melvin and Eleanor Chiogioji. She grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland and went on to graduate from Indiana University with a degree in broadcast journalism. For the next 25 years Wendy worked in television, spending the majority of her career as a beloved anchor for WESH 2 News in Orlando, Florida.
Wendy exemplified what it means to live fearlessly and defy the odds. Despite battling cancer on and off since 2001, she competed in numerous Ironman triathlons, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Fuji, and worked toward finding a cure to cancer by raising thousands of dollars for Livestrong and Pelotonia and by publicly sharing her own experience. Her enthusiastic spirit, kindness, and unforgettable laugh will be missed dearly.
Wendy is survived by her parents, stepmother Pallas, brother Alan and sister-in-law Sheryl, nieces Jennifer, Amanda and Katy, nephews Matthew and Christopher, best friend Patrick Kildow, and cats Lucy and Linus.
A memorial service will be held at the DeJoria Center (970 N. State Road 32, Kamas, UT 84036)from 1:00 – 5:00 PM on Saturday, November 9th.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Wendy’s name to Pelotonia, a nonprofit she was passionate about: www.pelotonia.org/forwendy.
In Loving Memory
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are offered for Wendy’s family and closest friends. We were blessed to know (and for Greg to work with) Wendy, whose courage and defiance was super-human. Peace
Deepest condolences to Wendy's family. I had the chance to meet her in Jan. 2002 before going to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics. She came to the Communications Center for Orlando Police Department and interviewed me. I was going to SLC as a volunteer police dispatcher. She was so kind. I am a Breast Cancer Survivor and just knowing her I felt that I could fight it. Wendy, we will miss you. Spread your Angel wings and soar high. God Speed Sweet Angel.
Wendy was a beautiful symbol of courage, but also a role mode. I remember my media days covering stories and Wendy would be doing the same. She was always at her A game which inspired me to be better. You learn from the best and I did.
We knew Wendy and her family in Silver Spring many, many years ago. Our sincere condolences to Mel and Ellie and all of her family at this sad time.
To Wendy's family I extend my sincere sympathy for such a great loss. Wendy was an inspiration, and when I was diagnosed in August of 2018 I kept Wendy's outlook and attitude in mind as I went thru my chemo & radiation. Thankfully I am in remission for my type of cancer, but as Wendy acknowledged, the future can change at any time. All of us who knew her story will forever be inspired by her courage and honesty. Climbing mountains with the angels now.
A light has dimmed with the passing of this amazing woman who lit up the room with her presence and smile. Having watched her as a news anchor in Orlando, I felt as if she were a friend. Knowing she had cancer, I followed her story when she left for Park City and shed tears when I learned of her death. May she rest in peace knowing so many people will never forget her and the contributions she made to this world. My deepest condolences to her family.
My deepest sympathy to the Chiogioji family and friends. While I did not know Ms. Chioji personally, I was a fan as I watched her on the news and I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Sincerely, Mia C.
God bless Wendy...a terrific journalist and an even better human being. I was fortunate enough to have worked with her at WESH for several years. Chris Jackson/Former WESH reporter
Peace and love to the whole family. My Dr obligations prevented me from being there in person. Thanks to WESH, I was able to at least be present. It was good to see a large number of my Kili family was there.
In Loving Memory
