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Vanessa Gay Wren

Contributed report

Vanessa Gay Wren lost a long and brave battle against cancer on Sunday, May 18, 2008.

She was born in 1954 and raised in Palos Verdes, Calif. She came to Colorado at 18, and instantly fell in love with Aspen and all it had to offer. Longtime locals will remember Vanessa in her many ACT performances, singing and dancing in the chorus. She loved the ballet, Filmfest, Music Festival and fireworks. She was happiest outside, hiking, biking, skiing, taking a dip in the river and playing with her dog. Vanessa made every holiday more special and a meal with friends always was a celebration. She adored her family, her friends and black Labs. Vanessa worked at Bloomingbirds for 25 years, where she touched everyone with her welcoming smile and gracious manner. In Vanessa’s own words, she would like to be remembered as “the kid who went flying on sunny days.”

She is survived by her mother, Velda Wren, her brothers, Charlie and Noel, and many cherished family members. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Roaring Fork Hospice, P.O. Box 1970, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81602 or the 24 Hours of Aspen Foundation/Your Friends for Life, P.O. Box 9306 Aspen, CO 81612. There will be a picnic to celebrate Vanessa in the near future.