Winifred M. Leary, 87, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2023. Born on April 5, 1935, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she was the only child of Margaret (Collins) and Martin Murray. She was the beloved wife of Richard “Dick” Leary. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary in June.
Winnie’s grace and kindness was evident in everything that she did. Making sure she raised independent, caring and kind people was her number one priority. Winnie extended this care to the wider community through her commitment to volunteerism and leading by example. She had a way of making every person feel appreciated and loved. We will greatly miss her eloquence and wit.
Besides her husband, Dick, she is survived by her 8 children: Kathy Gentilozzi (Mark), Stephen Leary (Mary), Mark Leary, Marty Braun (Peter), Martha Quaratella (Joe), Susan Beaudoin (Rich), Dennis Leary (Kristin) and Jennifer Kelley (Mike).
Winnie was blessed to have 30 grandchildren: Kristina, Andrew, Kati, Sara, Michael, Courtney, Paul, Jack, Nick, Haley, Erin, Sam, Cooper, Catie, Lauren, Jake, Elizabeth, Nathan, Austin, Benjamin, Clayton, Dylan, Hannah, Grace, Luke, Rose, Eli, Kaleigh, Sydney, Colleen, Liam and one great grandchild, Wellie.
Winnie grew up in New Bedford and graduated from Bridgewater State Teachers College in 1956. She taught school for 2 years before meeting the love of her life, Dick. They were married and began their family in Waterbury, CT and then moved to Meriden, Connecticut where they lived for almost 50 years. She was a self-described “homemaker” and “Mommy” for 15 years. Over the next 26 years she held various roles in banking before becoming a financial advisor. Winnie and Dick were devoted parishioners at St. Joseph’s Church. They were awarded the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation in recognition of their service to the Hartford Archdiocese and community. Winnie was a board member of The Meriden United Way, American Association of University Women and St. Joseph’s School. She also volunteered at the Franciscan Life Center, Curtis Home.
Winnie was always up for an adventure, enjoying travel both abroad and across the US visiting her large family. Her favorite thing to do was anything with her favorite guy.
We would like to thank three very special people, Terry Ann, Sue and James, who supported Winnie and her family.
Her family will receive relatives and friends (TODAY) Tuesday, April 4th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, St. Joseph Church, 177 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 5th at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist 269 Finch Avenue Meriden, CT 06451
For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.