Theodora (Theo) Wells

Feminist, critical thinker, writer, charming, engaging woman Theodora (Theo) Wells died on Feb. 12, 2017, at age 90. She was a “cutting edge” person: one of the first women to receive an MBA from USC; the first to teach an extension course in management development for women at UCLA; President of Wells Affiliates, a communication and management consulting firm in California; co-author with Rosalind Loring of Breakthrough: Women into Management, 1972; author of Keeping Your Cool Under Fire, 1980; and author of Take Care of Dying and Get on With Living: End of Life Planning that Works, 2016.

In addition to teaching, consulting and writing, Theo’s interests included jewelry making, photography, piano playing, theater, poetry, world travel, books of all kinds, and above all: spirited conversation. Theo was passionate about personal choice and was committed to advancing the role of women.

Theo’s family has property on Orcas Island, which brought her north when looking for a place to move from California in 2005. She chose Whidbey Island in part because of the active writers community here. She brought an energy, wit and wisdom to her many friends here and around the world. She will be deeply missed.

Theo is survived by her two sons David and Steven Kuettel, grandson Ben Kuettel, and stepdaughter Deanna Prince. The family plans a private memorial service on Orcas Island. Donations in Theo’s honor may be made to Enso House, 6339 Wahl Road, Freeland, 98249, or End of Life Washington, PO Box 61369, Seattle, 98141, or to a cause close to your own heart.