Wendy Wan-Jung Tao

October 23, 1979 - February 2, 2022

Wendy Tao (陶婉容) passed away on February 2, 2022. Wendy was a dedicated daughter, wonderful wife, magnificent mother, singular sister, consummate colleague, and faithful friend. She will be dearly and deeply missed, but her indomitable spirit will live on.

Wendy was born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1979. When she was two years old, she moved to the United States to join her parents David and Mei-Kan, eventually settling in Michigan. From an early age, she developed an extraordinary sense of independence and resourcefulness, an inveterate desire to excel, and a nurturing nature that she showered upon her younger sister Christy. She graduated at the top of her class at Northville High and later went to the University of Pennsylvania, where she received dual degrees from the Wharton School in economics and environmental studies.

Following graduation in 2001, she took the unconventional route, choosing an environmental think tank (the World Resources Institute, or WRI) over Wall Street. At WRI, she discovered her enduring love of transportation, which became her life’s work. She also met her future husband Fritz.

After a stint living in Vietnam and a brief foray into archaeology in Mongolia, she completed dual degrees in city planning and transportation engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. It was the foundation for several years in transportation consulting, first at Arup then later at Cambridge Systematics. Sensing incompleteness in her German language skills, she traveled to Germany on a year-long Bosch Fellowship, with husband and two-year-old daughter Kaia in tow, conceiving her second child (Trajan) in Germany. Her Bosch Fellowship later grew into a longer-term position with Siemens, where she became Head of Mobility Solutions.

Wendy’s lust for life and activity were limitless. She was active in industry groups and her children’s schools, from board member to room parent. She relished the outdoors, as a family hiker, black diamond skier, and once even a triathlete. She was an avid reader and writer, world traveler, oboe and piano player, and polyglot (English, Mandarin, German, and Taiwanese). Those around her marveled at her ability to do so much. She was incredible and inspiring.

Wendy’s life is a testament to the power of sanguinity, curiosity, and determination. Her smile radiated light and warmth wherever she went. She thrived in difficult situations, because she found them more interesting and had the patience, determination, and confidence to succeed. Her courage, motivation, and generosity were infectious. She touched so many lives.

Wendy will be dearly and deeply missed, but her indomitable spirit will live on.

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I'm so sorry to learn of your passing. You were a very smart, kind, patient woman. It was a pleasure to work with you during my time at Siemens. You will be remembered!!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Wendy Tao . Plant a Tree

Wendy was a good friend of my sister's from school in Northville. We were really sad to hear she had passed away. I will always remember how kind she was to me. Being a group of teenage girls, not all of them were nice all the time, and especially not to a little sister hanging around. But Wendy always was. My favorite memory/story about her was when Ana had the hiccups one time, and nothing she was trying was stopping them. Out of nowhere, Wendy slapped her on the arm (not hard). It was so unexpected coming from her, my sister's hiccups were shocked into stopping. She was so sweet, Ana never saw it coming, but Wendy had a great sense of humor, too. I'm glad to see she lived such a full life, but so sad that it ended too early. I'll always remember her.

So sorry to hear of Wendy's passing - she was one of my favorite people in the ITS industry. My condolences to the family on your loss.

David and Mei-kan, We are so very sorry or your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

May the soul rest in peace

Dear Fritz, I am very sad to hear that Wendy passed away. Miwako and I send our condolences and wholehearted sympathies to you and the kids.

Dear Fritz, I learned of this sad news today. I wish you, your children and all of your loved ones strength and any peace you can find. My heartfelt condolences to you.

I never met Wendy but had the privilege of meeting and working with Fritz through his association with RAP. It was clear from the start that he is an extraordinary person with a broad skill set and an intense intellect. The small window I saw into his family life showed it was special in many ways. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Fritz and his family.

Blessings on Fritz and the children.

Our deepest condolences and prayers to your family. Our beloved Wendy was so good to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May she rest in peace.

Terribly sorry and sad to hear the news of Wendy’s passing. I worked for her Dad In Chongqing and her parents always had proud stories of her and her family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.