Obituary of Wendy Ann Plaster

Wendy Ann Plaster, co-founder of Signature Homes and Co-Chair of Nevada Ballet Theatre, died from complications due to lung cancer, at her home in Las Vegas surrounded by her family, on July 30, 2016. She was 69. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Los Angeles, Wendy had lived in Las Vegas since 1973. Wendy was born to Roberta Korf and Jack Berman on May 11, 1947 in Chicago. The family moved to LA when Wendy was 5. She attended Beverly Hills High School (1965), received a degree in Russian literature from UC Berkeley (1969), and was awarded a teaching credential from USC. After teaching seventh grade in California, Wendy moved to Las Vegas with Richard, in 1973. Wendy worked as a waitress at the coffee shop in the MGM Grand Hotel during her first years in Las Vegas, prior to founding Signature Homes with her husband in 1978. Wendy worked in the business, leading marketing and interior design efforts for many years. Interior design was a true passion of hers and she continued to design models with energy and excitement through the end of her life. Over the years, while growing and managing the business and raising her family, Wendy devoted time and resources to numerous charities, including the Meadows School, where she served on the board of Trustees for 14 years. She worked to advance the city's cultural life by serving as Co-Chair of Nevada Ballet Theatre, and as a founding board member of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. She also served on the regional board of Planned Parenthood while supporting Nathan Adelson Hospice, HELP of Southern Nevada, Women's Philanthropy, the Rape Crisis Center, Domestic Crisis shelter, Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow and the Discovery Children's Museum. Wendy celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary last October 19th, with her survivors - husband Richard, sons Brian (daughter-in-law, Maggie) and Morgan, daughter Jillian (son-in-law, Ian), sister Mari (brother-in-law, Roy) and brother Steven. Wendy leaves behind 3 grandchildren: Coleman (9), Gabriella (7), and Ezra (1), four nieces, one nephew, and numerous cousins along with her beloved dog, Martini. Wendy was preceded in death by her mother (Roberta "Bobbie" Korf), father (Jack Albert Berman), and sister (Hilary Berman). Wendy showed tremendous strength and courage while she was undergoing treatment for cancer, fighting with all of her power to continue to spend time with her most cherished treasure, her family. She was dearly beloved by her family and friends. The community has lost a true friend of Las Vegas, and she will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. There will be a celebration of Wendy's life at The Smith Center on Saturday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. (361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, 89106.) In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Wendy Plaster to the Nevada Ballet Theatre. (nevadaballet.org) The family asks that you send any stories about Wendy to: storiesaboutwendy@signaturehomes.com.