Donate to Claire Wenzel's funeral & misc. expenses

*Update and schedule at bottom*

On October 30th, the widowed mother of 11, Donna Wenzel, and her family received news that no family or parent should ever have to hear. Claire Wenzel, the 26-year-old beloved daughter and sister, tragically died on impact in a multi-vehicle accident on I-95. A senseless death that could have been avoided has now destroyed and forever changed countless lives.

Claire lived life as we all should, cherishing each experience, enjoying every day and being present in every moment. She could light a room with her warm smile and had a positive impact on everyone with whom she interacted. No matter the challenge Claire faced, she took it in stride and never let anything bring her down. Her humor was unmatched, and she did everything in her power to make others laugh; to tell Claire she was funny was the greatest compliment one could give.

In 2012, the Wenzel family tragically and unexpectedly lost their 21-year-old brother and son, Luke Wenzel, and their husband and father, Neil Wenzel. The grief and loss the family has experienced is still unbearable to this day. Approaching the 10-year anniversary of Luke and Neil, this inexplicable and unimaginable tragedy has befallen them.

The Wenzel family is reaching out at this time for prayers and support and is urging everyone on the road to drive safely in remembrance of Claire, knowing that this could happen to any loved one.

Any donations will be used for funeral-related expenses. Thank you for your support.

*************** Update 11/2/22 9:05pm **************

Thank you everyone for all your support!  We never knew there were so many wonderful and caring people willing to help the Wenzel family.  Donna Wenzel has been through so much and has been a nurse for over 15 years.  She works every single week in order to help support her family, single handedly, for the last ten years since her husband, Neil, passed in 2012.  Initially working two jobs (VCU Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital) and recently working at VCU as much as they will allow, Donna still struggles to make ends meet.  Having already used the three days of bereavement pay, I wonder how she will stay afloat and properly grieve the loss of her daughter. 

LET’S ALL KEEP THIS FUNDRAISER GOING STRONG AND GIVE ALL WE CAN TO HELP CLAIRE BY HELPING HER MOTHER BECAUSE WE HAVEN’T COVERED THE FULL COST OF THE FUNERAL EXPENSES YET (I was there today with the family and couldn’t believe how expensive it has become.)

****Schedule for Saturday, November 5th, 2022****

  10am: Viewing at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church

  11am: Funeral Service (brief interment to follow)

  1:30pm: Reception at Great American Ranch (food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided)

Saint Ann’s Catholic Church

105 S Snead St

Ashland, VA 23005

Great American Ranch

13995 Raised Antler Circle

Midlothian, VA 23112