Another "Project Runway" designer is gone much too soon.

Wendy Pepper, who placed third on "Project Runway" Season 1, died on November 12 at age 53. The sad news was published in an obituary in The Washington Post on November 17. There are no details on how she died, but she was surrounded by her family, so it wasn't so sudden that they couldn't be there for her. That's a small comfort.

Here's the obituary:

Anne Eustis Pepper of Washington, DC, fondly known as "Wendy", died peacefully on November 12, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Washington, Wendy was a graduate of the Potomac School, the Madeira School, and the University of Washington. She was an artist who proudly forged her own path in life. A finalist on season one of Project Runway, Wendy designed and hand-sewed exceptionally beautiful clothes for children and adults. She was a chef, a writer, and a life-long entrepreneur. Her wit and humor were unmatched, as was her generosity of spirit. Wendy is survived by her parents, Anne Livingston Emmet of Washington and Charles Willing Pepper of Palm Beach, FL; her loving daughter, Finley M. Stewart, of Middleburg, VA; her brothers Wing Pepper, Stacy Lloyd and Thomas Lloyd; her sister, Edith Pepper Goltra; and many adoring nieces and nephews. Funeral service Friday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m., Christ Church, Georgetown, 3116 O St., NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Wendy Pepper was one of reality TV's early stand-out "characters," making a big impact for her designs and personality on "Project Runway" Season 1 in 2004-2005. She was competitive as well as entertaining, and said showing at New York Fashion Week was the second most important day of her life after the birth of her beloved daughter, Finley. It's no surprise they brought her back for "Project Runway All Stars" Season 2. She also returned on two other reality shows, "Celebrity Poker Showdown" and "Battle of the Network Reality Stars."

Just last month it was revealed that Mychael Knight, finalist on "Project Runway" Season 3, also passed away. He was 39.

In more positive "Project Runway" news, a new winner was just crowned last night. The Season 16 reunion show is next, then a new season of "Project Runway All Stars" in 2018.

Our condolences to Wendy Pepper's family and friends. She will be missed.

[Via: Entertainment Weekly]

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