Winifred A. Ryder

Mrs. Winifred A. (Wilfert) Ryder, age 93, of Marblehead, formerly a 13 year resident of New Bedford and 53 year resident of Roslindale, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9th at The Lafayette in Marblehead surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Stephen W. Ryder; a decorated U.S. Marine who served in the So. Pacific during WWII and later became a Boston Police Officer. Winifred passed on what would have been their 68th wedding anniversary. She was widowed 60 years ago when she was just 33 years old with 3 young children and one on the way. She was a strong, devoted, widowed mother who always put her children’s needs and happiness first.

Winnie, as she was affectionately known, was born and educated in Boston, the daughter of the late John J. and Winifred S. (Kelly) Wilfert. She was the devoted mother of Roberta R. Hurney and her husband, Michael J., of Marblehead, Suzanne M. Ryder of California, MD, Stephen J. Ryder of Westwood, and Sharon W. Leman, and her husband, Sheldon of New Bedford; the cherished grandmother of Lincoln R. Hurney, Allison S. Hare and her husband, Andrew of Marblehead, Victoria J. Hurney, Thomas C. Leman, and Jack F. Ryder. She also leaves behind Jack’s mother Mary E. Fitzgerald of Quincy with whom she had a very special relationship. She was the dear sister of the late Kenneth J. Wilfert of Winchester. She was devoted to her mother (Freddy) who came to live with her for 19 years. She is also survived by many loving nieces and cousins.

Winnie worked in the Healey Library at the University of Massachusetts Boston for over 20 years until her retirement in 1997. She was a prolific knitter who made dozens of sweaters and afghans for her family and friends. A devout Catholic, she attended Mass every Sunday at Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale and later at St. Mary’s in New Bedford. Winnie’s profound love for animals and generous nature helped many charities including St. Jude’s Hospital and her favorite, the World Wildlife Foundation. She loved having visits and hearing stories of her two great-grand-dogs, Louis and Sushi. A lover of travel, one of her greatest joys was visiting lighthouses. Her trips to lighthouses took her up and down the Eastern Shores and over to Ireland. She loved her summers spent on Long Point in Naples, ME. Her blueberry pancakes had no comparison. But nothing thrilled her more than spending time with her family, who will miss her dearly.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of The Lafayette in Marblehead for providing Winnie with such wonderful compassionate care over the last 13 Months.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Winnie’s memory to the Activity Fund at The Lafayette, 25 Lafayette Street, Marblehead, MA01945 or to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St, Ste. B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or via www.caredimensions.org. Arrangements are under the care of Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead. Please visit the online guestbook at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.