Wendy Jean van Gerven

Wendy Jean (Adamonis) van Gerven, 71, of Northborough, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Born in Northborough on February 2, 1954, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Edna E. (Fryer) Adamonis. She graduated from Algonquin Regional High School, Class of 1972, and later attended Salter Secretarial School.

Wendy will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of horses, music, and baking, and her devotion to family. Motherhood was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in her three children and the lives they built.

She began her working life as a secretary. Once her children were grown, she served as a social worker with Seven Hills Family Services for more than 15 years, retiring in 2019.

She is survived by her three children, Ashleigh Santa Maria and her husband Patsy of Worcester, Valerie Milley and her husband James of Hanover, and Kyle van Gerven of Oceanside, CA, and five grandchildren, Ava and Santino Santa Maria, James, Grant, and Welles Milley. She also leaves her brother Robert Adamonis of Northborough, her niece Jennifer Adamonis of Northborough, and the father of her children, Diony van Gerven of Warren. She was predeceased by her brother John “Jack” Adamonis and infant sister Nancy Rebecca Adamonis.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 10 am to 12:00 noon, immediately followed by her funeral service at 12:00 noon in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Burial will be held privately and at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Wendy’s memory to Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program at www.lovelane.org