Ms. Schlender was born in Tacoma, WA, and spent most of her early life on the coast of Oregon. She studied theatre arts at Southern Oregon State College, from which she earned a BA in English. She earned her cosmetology license from the Aveda Institute and was a member of IATSE Local 798.
She worked on Broadway shows, including The Phantom of the Opera, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia! and Gigi. TV credits included "Saturday Night Live" and "Deadbeat."
She studied wig making at The Wig Academy in England, and returned to New York to use her craft working for Campbell Young and Associates.
Ms. Schlender also donated her time to Broadway fundraising events, including Broadway Bares, Gypsy of the Year and Easter Bonnet.
She died unexpectedly at her home in Queens, New York. A Celebration of Life was held Oct. 21 in New York City.
