Katherine Mervine Humphreys
St. Pete Beach, Florida

I first met Wendy years ago when I was working as an intern at Acme Filmworks. She worked as an editor for awn.com in the same building. We had a lot in common: we had both gone to art school, we were both from the east coast and we both loved animation. I remember thinking it was pretty amazing that this young person had left her comfort zone in Massachusetts, moved to Hollywood, and was in a leadership position, all before the age of 25.

We became close friends, and it was also around this time that Wendy met Porter, the love of her life. I remember her sitting in my living room and telling me how much she loved him.

When Wendy left awn to start her own business, I came along and helped with the post-production and publicity for the stop motion film, More. I was lucky to be a part of her life then.

Despite being younger than I am, Wendy was my mentor. She was my inspiration to start my own business, to leave the corporate world and to teach. When she left the 9-to-5-work world, so did I. I was so impressed by her bravery in everything every thing she did.

We both moved, and both got married. Although years went by, I always caught up with her. I attended her wedding, and met up with her at the Annecy film festival. And every time, we could always pick up right where we left off. I only regret that I turned down her invitation to meet up this past summer. I was busy, and I always thought there'd be another opportunity. I should have learned from Wendy not to get trapped in my routine, and to take every chance that came my way.

Pamela Thompson
Recruiter/Career Coach

Ideas to Go
I was notified that Wendy was sick just two days before she passed away. I was in shock as I remember her as a vibrant, personable artist. I think I met Wendy first through Women in Animation and then worked with her when she worked at Animation World Network. I remember when she drove me down to Orange County so we could visit The Neverhood, Doug Tenappel's company, which was working on a stop-motion videogame. After I interviewed Doug and the team and Wendy snapped photos of everything in the studio, she drove back towards L.A., but we took a slight detour off the 5 fwy. and ended up crossing over town on another freeway, adding quite a bit of time to our commute. But this gave me an opportunity to spend some extra time with her. We had a lengthy conversation about what we had seen, what would be most interesting to readers of AWN, and the slant of the story.

We also spoke about the state of experimental animation and our career aspirations. Wendy enjoyed experimental animation and was intrigued by the pioneers of the animation industry. She was actively involved in trying to record veterans of the animation field before they passed away. She felt their contributions are a legacy that should be captured and treasured. Wendy's enthusiasm was contagious. She was interested in everything to do with animation and I believe she taught animation to young kids. I'm sure her students will carry the legacy of her enthusiasm and love for animation as I do.

Pierre Courtet-Cohl
Emile Cohl’s grandson

I met Wendy Jackson only once 10 years ago. She was in a period between end of studies and searching a job. Before returning to the States, she wanted to have some precise information on the life and works of Emile Cohl, what was greatly to her credit. She called me and came to my home, where we spent a complete afternoon speaking about the beginning of animated cartoons, Emile Cohl and his stay in Fort-Lee between 1912 and 1914. I keep the memory of a young woman very intelligent, active and sprightly.

I offer my most sincere condolences to the family of Wendy Jackson.

Candy Kugel
Buzzco Associates Inc.

I remember Wendy from her enthusiastic presence at film festivals and her incredible curiosity. She also encouraged me to write the animation disk-side version of the creation of the MTV top of the hour for Animation World News. I saw Wendy only a few weeks ago when I ran into her at the RISD bookstore during the Alumni Reunion Weekend. We hadn't remembered that we had both attended the school and we promised to keep in touch. What a shock her passing has been and such a loss for our community.