Winifred (Winnie) Durante passed away peacefully at her home at Brookdale Assisted Living facility in Lutz, Florida on March 2, 2018, at the age of 90.
Winnie was born in Lucinda, Pennsylvania on June 15, 1927, and was a loving mother, grandmother, and wife. She lived her life to the fullest and was known for her determination and deep faith. Her prayer book was at her side when she passed.
This past June, Winnie celebrated her 90th birthday with a huge party surrounded by her family, friends, and fellow residents.
Brookdale has been her home for the past seven years, where she was an active resident involved in weekly church service, participating in exercises, menu chats, and as a facility ambassador to new residents. She also enjoyed singing in the Brookdale Happy Notes Choir. Winnie never missed a happy hour on Friday afternoon or playing bingo on a daily basis. A few years ago she was crowned Brookdale’s first queen during a Valentine’s Day celebration and will be buried with her crown.
Prior to living at Brookdale she and her husband of 57 years, Orlando, resided in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. She was a member of the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church and sang in the Resurrection Choir and was also active in the ladies guild.
Before relocating to Florida, she and her husband resided on Wood Street in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Winnie was well known for operating an in-home daycare center for 23 years. She was also well known for making the best apple pies and spaghetti and meatballs. While raising their four children, it was a Saturday night evening tradition to enjoy the wonderful Italian dinner.
She and her husband, Orlando, also enjoyed playing golf at Mayfield Country Club in Clarion. Winnie was also known for her having a green thumb and had beautiful flower gardens and a plentiful vegetable garden. Winnie was also an avid quilt maker and ceramics painter. While residing in Clarion she was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church parish and the ladies guild.
Proceeded in death by her parents; Lawrence and Ollie Bauer of Lucinda, PA, her husband, Orlando, and her brother Francis Bauer (Barb) of Clarion, PA.
Surviving Winnie are her four children and seven grandchildren; DeWane (Buster) Durante, (Judy) and their children Angela (Jim Hackenberg) and Corinna; Denise Farley (Thomas) and son David; Darlene Keppel (Kris/deceased) and daughters Meredith and Morgan (Chris) Nethercutt; David Durante (Sue) and daughters Lauren and Lindsey; brothers Gerald Bauer (Ruth/deceased), Lawrence Bauer Jr. (Cookie/deceased), and sister Loraine Schmader and many nieces and nephews.
A wake service/visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Loyless Funeral home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. Winnie will be buried in the Florida National Cemetery next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, and Florida, 34639.
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