Gwendolyn Cara Hotson, better known to all as Wendy, died at home on April 12, 2024. Wendy was born on May 22, 1947, in St. Thomas, Ont., the daughter of Ralph and Margaret (Peg) Hotson. Ralph was a manager for the Bank of Montreal who was transferred from branches in southwestern Ontario every two to three years, disrupting the lives of his family with frequent moves. However, he spent eight years in Woodstock, Ont., which allowed Wendy to attend Woodstock Collegiate for the entirety of high school. During that time, she worked in the public library, appropriately with her love of books. She was also involved with the Woodstock Little Theater, playing the role of Louise in a production of Carousel. When she graduated in 1965, her picture was on the front page of the local newspaper as one of three Ontario Scholars from her school.
Wendy applied to multiple universities in different programs, ultimately deciding to register in the Faculty of Medicine at Queen's. In medical school, she was a solid student and had many friends. Her situation changed in the final year when she encountered the two loves of her life – radiology and a classmate, Tom Garrett. She took an elective in radiology, run by the head of the department, Dr. Fransman. Wendy realized that she had found her calling and she applied for residencies in that field. At about the same time, her relationship with Tom, who had been a friend since their first meeting in the fall of 1965, changed and they realized that they were meant to be together. After graduation in June, 1971, Wendy did a medical internship at Kingston General Hospital while Tom did his at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. They maintained their relationship with "long-distance" phone calls and vacation time.
Wendy and Tom were married in a small family ceremony in the Hotson's home in Simcoe, Ont., on June 24, 1972. Wendy began her residency in July 1972 at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
She was soon recognized as a star. She was chief resident in her senior year. When she took her radiology board examination in Pittsburgh, several of the examiners wanted to offer her a position at their institutions. She declined and did a fellowship in neuroradiology and joined the faculty of Downstate Medical Center. She was considered to be one of the best teachers in the department, receiving multiple awards and accolades. In May 1999, she accepted a position in the Department of Radiology at New York University Medical Center. At the party at Downstate Medical Center marking her departure, she was given a complete set of the 20 volume Oxford English Dictionary (delivered for $6 by Barnes and Noble!). This was a recognition of Wendy's precision in the use of words. She also received a plaque from the Department of Neurology, thanking her for all she had done in educating their residents and fellows. Wendy was recognized as a superb clinician and teacher in her new position. Again, receiving multiple awards for her educational prowess. At her retirement party in June 2019, she received a standing ovation from the residents, fellows, and colleagues.
While pursuing her academic career, Wendy found the time and energy to run the household in the family's brownstone in Park Slope and to raise two sons, David and John, who have become wonderful husbands and fathers. Despite her academic and familial responsibilities, she found the time to be a dedicated scrabble player and a knitter of the first order, creating amazing works that generations will cherish. The Christmas Eve dinners that she organized and hosted for 20 years were legendary in the neighborhood. They always ended with flaming plum pudding ("fire cake" according to one young guest). Wendy was a wonderful travel partner as she and Tom explored Canada, the U.S., Europe, and the U.K. Paris became their second home, with several months spent in the Marais. They brought Wendy's sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Brian Casey, to join them for Wendy's 70th birthday, surprising them at a bistro on Rue Remoulade.
Wendy and Tom's planned cruise of the Pacific to mark their retirement was cancelled by Covid-19, so they spent the time together in their country home. Two hermits together, initially making their own masks. They were able to do some traveling after the pandemic subsided, including attending their 50th class reunion in 2021 and visiting their children/grandchildren. There was a last trip to Paris in December 2022.
As Wendy became more ill, their horizons were limited and they contented themselves with family visits and trips to local museums, especially the Morgan Library with the English tea. Wendy and Tom enjoyed a marriage of more than 50 years, filled with wonderful memories. Predeceased by her parents and sister, Peggy Anne Smith, she leaves behind husband, Thomas Garrett; sister, Jane Casey; sons, David (Laura Tavares), John (Natalie Benjamin); and beloved grandsons, Cameron, James, George, and Jack.
