Wendy Duffy, a woman who tragically ended her own life at a controversial Swiss clinic, did not inform her mother of her intentions for assisted suicide. Her 87-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia, was reportedly unaware of Wendy’s decision to travel abroad and terminate her life.

Wendy, a 56-year-old mother who had previously lost her only child, Marcus, four years ago, completed her planned assisted suicide at the Pegasos Clinic after a year of preparation. She had paid £10,000 to the clinic, wrote farewell letters to her loved ones, selected her deathbed attire, and chose the music she wanted to hear last.

The news of Wendy’s passing coincided with the expiration of the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Lords, which had faced numerous delays due to over 1,200 amendments proposed by members of the House. Despite online pleas from strangers urging her to reconsider, Wendy’s family revealed that she was resolute in her decision and determined to proceed with her chosen path.

Wendy’s sister-in-law, Paula Duffy, expressed deep sadness for the family and described the situation as upsetting. Wendy, from the West Midlands, traveled alone to the clinic and peacefully passed away on Friday morning, dressed in one of her late son’s T-shirts, as it still carried his scent, and listening to music by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Although Wendy had informed her siblings about her decision for assisted dying, she had not disclosed this to her mother, who remains unaware due to her dementia. Wendy, who had been in good health and deemed mentally sound before her passing, had expressed her contentment with her choice to end her life.

In a statement, Pegasos founder Ruedi Habegger confirmed that Wendy’s assisted suicide was carried out according to her wishes and without incident. He emphasized that Wendy had demonstrated clear intention and mental capacity for her decision, categorizing it as a case of “sane suicide” under English law.

Wendy’s ashes are scheduled to be returned to the UK and scattered at a memorial bench dedicated to her son, Marcus. Paula mentioned that Wendy had managed her journey to Switzerland independently and had not disclosed the source of the funds for the procedure.

The family refrained from commenting on their beliefs regarding the right to die for healthy individuals, stating a belief in assisted dying only for terminal illnesses. Paula reiterated that Wendy had struggled emotionally since her son’s death and wished her peace in the afterlife.