Wendy Thompson Caporaso

Wendy Thompson Caporaso

“To know Wendy was to love her.”

Wendy Thompson Caporaso, 69, of Phoenix. Arizona, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, after a courageous 28-month battle with cancer. Born on May 18, 1957, in Neptune, New Jersey, Wendy lived a life defined by faith, service, generosity, and unconditional love. In 2020, she relocated to Arizona to be closer to her daughter and family.  Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, her family finds comfort in knowing she is with the Lord, reunited with loved ones who went before her, and free from pain.

Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, David and Faye Thompson; her beloved husband, Donald Caporaso; and her brother, Wayne Thompson.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Melissa Saenz (Tommy) of Glendale, Arizona; her stepson, Donald Caporaso Jr. of Scotch Plains, New Jersey; her step-grandchildren, Ciera Saenz (fiancé Michael) and Tommy Saenz of Las Vegas; her sister, Judy Cooper; her niece, Katrina Bratteli; and many extended family members and treasured friends.

Before finding the love of her life, Donald, Wendy was married to Robert Schofield from 1975 to 1980. She later married Donald Caporaso, and together they built a beautiful life, sharing 31 wonderful years until his passing in 2017. Their Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey home was filled with love, laughter, cherished family traditions, and unwavering devotion to one another.

From an early age, Wendy embraced opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. As a young woman, she proudly played the bugle with the Lucky Ladies Drum & Bugle Corps, where her talent and leadership eventually earned her the role of Drum Major. The friendships and sense of community she developed during those years remained with her throughout her life.

Wendy built an accomplished career spanning several decades in the corporate consumer products industry. She began with Imperial Wall Covering before continuing with Warner-Lambert, remaining with the organization through its acquisitions by Pfizer and later Johnson & Johnson. Throughout her career, she held a variety of roles, including corporate training, where she helped lead employees through major organizational changes and the implementation of SAP as the companies’ system of record. After retiring from J&J, Wendy continued her career with Mars before retiring from the workforce.  Her professionalism, leadership, and ability to connect with people earned the admiration and respect of colleagues throughout her career.

Earlier in life, Wendy faithfully served at Wharton United Community Church in several ways including a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, helping guide and inspire children in their faith. After retiring, she returned to the church in a different capacity, volunteering countless hours with the WUCC Food Pantry, helping families in need and supporting a ministry that was close to her heart.

After moving to Arizona, Wendy quickly became an active member of the Moon Valley Women’s Club, where she served as Secretary of the Board for two years. She organized and led the Red Hot Rollers Bunco group, and was a member of three Mahjong groups, the morning walking group, and the Garden Club.

Wendy found joy in life’s simple blessings—cooking for family and friends, tending her garden, traveling, staying active, and filling her home with fresh flowers. She was known for her delicious cookies, her welcoming table, her genuine kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel at home. She loved family traditions, especially holiday gatherings, preparing her famous antipasto, and filling Christmas stockings with thoughtful surprises. She also had a playful competitive spirit and was known for winning more than her share of family games.

If there was one saying that perfectly captured Wendy’s spirit, it was her favorite: “If you rest, you rust!” She lived each day with purpose, energy, and gratitude, inspiring others by the example she set.

Throughout her cancer journey, Wendy faced every challenge with remarkable courage, unwavering faith, and a positive spirit. She never allowed her diagnosis to define her and remained an inspiration to all who walked beside her.

The family is especially grateful for the extraordinary love and support Wendy received throughout her illness, particularly from her lifelong friend, Ellen Farley, whose friendship began in kindergarten, and Ellen’s sister, Susan Steer. Together, they made multiple extended trips from New Jersey to Arizona to care for Wendy from the time of her diagnosis through her final days. Their love, devotion, and selfless care were a true reflection of the lifelong friendships Wendy cherished.

Wendy’s greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely. She will be remembered for her generous heart, steadfast faith, tireless service, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness. Her unconditional love, quiet strength, and joyful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Wendy’s Life

New Jersey Service
Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Wharton United Community Church
20 Church Street
Wharton, NJ 07885
Luncheon to follow.

Arizona Service
Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) – North Phoenix Campus
15025 N. 19th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Luncheon to follow.

The family kindly requests an RSVP, if possible, to assist with meal planning.

Wendy loved fresh flowers and always had them brightening her home. Friends and family are welcome to honor her memory with flowers or, if they prefer, with a donation to the Wharton United Community Church Food Pantry or St. Mary’s Food Bank in Arizona—two organizations that reflected her generous heart and lifelong commitment to serving others. In keeping with Wendy’s spirit, the family plans to share many of the floral arrangements with local care facilities, assisted living communities, and others in the community so that the beauty she loved can continue to bring joy to others.