Former TV Anchor, Pasadena Resident Wendy Gordon Dies At 71

Wendy Gordon, a former media relations officer for three local state political leaders and prior to that an award-winning TV news anchor, has died.

Gordon passed away in Pasadena on Dec. 22 after a long illness. She was 71.

“Team Holden is devastated by the passing of Wendy, our friend and coworker,” wrote Assemblyman and former Pasadena City Councilmember and Mayor Chris Holden. “She was a consummate professional who was loved and respected throughout the community. I will miss her greatly!”

“Wendy was a tremendous person. A very proud mother and staunch, dedicated activist. She generously opened her home for countless community meetings and served our district and its political leaders extremely well,” said state Sen. Anthony Portantino. 

“She was a talented press secretary who helped me succeed when I was just a novice,” the senator said.

After her retirement from television in 1990, Gordon managed press relations for Jack Scott, a former state senator as well as a former president of Pasadena City College, Portantio when he served in the state Assembly, and Holden. 

Born Oct. 10, 1949, at Huntington Hospital, Gordon was the daughter of Sally and Frank Gordon of San Marino.

Gordon graduated from San Marino High School and UCLA, earning a bachelor of arts degree and later a master’s degree in film and television. She began her television career as a reporter in Peoria, Illinois in the early 1970s. 

She soon went on to be the first female anchor at KOIN-TV in Portland, Oregon, where, as a field reporter, she covered the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. She also hosted her own talk show. 

In 1980, she joined KHJ-TV, now KCAL, in Los Angeles as the evening news anchor until 1990. At KHJ, Gordon received two Los Angeles Area Emmy awards in the Information Series category. 

It was also in this role that she met and interviewed Dr. Michael Gottlieb, who she ultimately married. 

Gordon broke the broadcast media’s glass ceiling as a female journalist. She was very active in local politics and passionate about social justice.

She was also a horseback rider, a cowgirl at heart, and a lover of dance, theater, and Native American art. 

Gordon is well remembered as a person with an incredible personality and presence. 

In her later years, she became an enthusiastic birder and a member of Pasadena Audubon. She also volunteered with the Pasadena Public Library, the Democratic Party, and was a member of the Pasadena political action group ACT. 

Gordon had a natural green thumb and took great pride in her home and gardens. She especially loved “Julia Child” roses, which bloom in her garden today in tribute to her strength and beauty. 

Gordon’s ashes will be mixed with those of her all-time favorite dog Mr. Carter and scattered on the Oregon Coast. 

Gordon is survived by Gottlieb, daughter Dr. Jillian Gordon Gottlieb, twin brother John Gordon of San Gabriel, and sister Susan Gordon of Kansas City.

“Her warmth and insights will be missed and my heart breaks for her husband and daughter who received her love every day,” Portantino said.