Connie Winiarz
- 44 years old
- Female
- Born Apr 13, 1964
- Died Nov 01, 2008
- Wilmington, Delaware, United States
About
Connie's Obituary
Connie Winiarz, beloved wife of Michael and mother of Kristian, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the age of 44.
A 1986 graduate of Albright College, Connie held a B.S. Degree in nursing and was most recently employed as a school nurse at The Centerville School. She was currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Education from Wilmington University. Connie was known for her vibrant personality, generous nature and devotion to her family. She enjoyed dancing, tennis, skiing, parties, vacations at Rehoboth Beach and telling jokes. Connie was an exceptional cook who always made all gatherings special by making everyone feel at home.
She is also survived by her mother, Jennie Pulaczewski of Atco, NJ; her mother-in-law, Stefania Winiarz of Leesport, PA; her sister, Barbara Godshalk and her husband, David and their daughter, Claire; her brother-in-law, John Winiarz and his wife, Linda and their daughters, Brittaney and Alicia.
In accordance with her wishes, Connie donated her organs and improved the lives of both those who loved her and people she never knew. Her life was a wonderful example of a life well lived. She will be deeply missed by all those who were privileged to know and love her.
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Good bye Connie
Jane McHugh Jun 05, 2011
What an exceptional woman, she'll be missed!
Eric Manchon Dec 23, 2008
We often sparred one another, and during one sparring session I accidentally kicked her in the head. Actually the kick was on purpose, I just didn't mean to kick that hard. Well, she picked herself up, dusted herself off, and then proceeded to kick my butt. Tough as nails! At the same time she was a gentle spirit, thoughtful in every respect, and always had a kind word to say. She loved her family, friends, and life itself. It was a blessing to have known her.
Eric Manchon
Posted on behalf of Jim Dyer
Michael Winiarz Dec 18, 2008
Delivered at Her Memorial Service
November 7, 2008
Connie, Mike, and Kristian began attending services at Christ Community Church around the same time as we did. Our families had a lot in common—our faith backgrounds, our longing for true fellowship and inclusion in a church community, and our desire for meaningful spiritual growth. I remember inviting Mike and Connie to join a spiritual transformation small group that Yvette and I had volunteered to lead. It was through the small group as well as through Alpha that I began to learn more about who Connie was and what she stood for.
Mike told me one time that Connie loved board games, in particular Scrabble. Connie had a great intellect, which is probably why we got along well. So, one week we decided to have a game night instead of doing our regular Bible study. And, of course, we broke out our Scrabble game. I’ll never forget the incredulous look on Connie’s face when a few minutes into the game, my daughter, Mary, and I broke out The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary. You see, true Scrabble aficionados do not use a dictionary. Well, Connie got over it and we had a good laugh and a grand old time playing a game she loved.
In honor of Connie, I thought I would share a few good Scrabble words with you that I think describe well her life here on Earth.
Inquisitive
Connie loved to ask questions and to challenge the status quo, especially when she was confronted at times by the rigidity and inflexibility of religion. Like me, Connie had a passion for reconciling the Laws of God with the laws of science; the Creator of the Universe with the created. On one hand, God is a God of order, just like the Laws of Thermodynamics. On the other hand, God is a God of power, transformation, and chaos, as we see in the Laws of Chemistry and Physics. But the Word of God tells us in 1st Timothy 3:16:
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He[a] appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Zest
Connie had a zest for life and for learning; a thirst for knowledge and understanding and truth. She loved parties and travel. I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 8:15
So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
Intimacy
Love is the true friend of intimacy. Connie had a love for Mike and Kristian that rose above all else. I know she longed for this same intimacy with her Lord and her church community. John 15:4 tells us
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
You see, this is the great mystery of the incarnation—that by God choosing us as His favorite dwelling place, He invites us to choose Him to be our favorite dwelling place.
Fecundity (which has to be my personal favorite)
Not a household word, fecundity means fruitfulness. Matthew 7:20 tells us
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Connie bore much fruit in her career as a nurse and in her home life. Mike and Kristian are living testimonies to her fruitfulness. Paul tells us in Galatians that
… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
When I remember Connie, I think of her kindness and goodness.
Unity
And last, but not least, unity. When I read my daily devotion today, I immediately thought of Mike and Connie. The topic was unity as expressed beautifully in Phillipians 1:27
Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
I believe that today’s service and Mass are a testimony to the Christian unity that I know is so important to Mike.
Rest in peace, Connie.
Meg Kempski's Tribute to Connie
Michael Winiarz Dec 08, 2008
My first memory of Connie was meeting her at Pike Creek Christian School. Kristian was in Katie’s class and I would think – who is this funny mom who wears slippers to school.
She was an honest, tell-it-like-it-is woman. You knew exactly where she stood and how she felt. I wish we could all be like that.
Planning the PCCS Field Days together with Susie, Debbie and Jeanne. We made quite a team and put on the best Field Days ever.
Laughing at our “Mom’s” lunches.
Seeing her at Skyline Pool. I think I even saw her wear her slippers to the pool when she was working on swim team stuff. She was too funny.
Hearing her talk about Kris, her OBVIOUS pride and joy. Nothing was more important to Connie than her family, especially Kris.
Playing tennis. I had such a great time playing with her this summer. You could tell she just loved to play.
She was so beautiful, inside and out. She had a wonderful heart, a beautiful smile and great hair (I was so jealous of her awesome hair).
She is the most generous person I know. She has given the gift of life to families that will be grateful forever. They will never forget Connie.
She was a great friend to all of us that were lucky enough to know her. She has taught me to appreciate every day because our lives can change in an instant. I will think of her always and she will never leave my heart.
God will bless you and your family and take care of you forever. We are all here for you. You have many friends that love you and will be there for you always.
Love,
Meg Kempski