Sister Winifred Rose was born on the 10^th.March 1917 in Clovelly in North Devon.  Her father was a member of the naval forces. She had three sisters and one brother who went to school in Hull, after school she joined the civil service. During the Second World War she served in the WRENS (a womens' war time movement.)

When Winifred was in Barnstaple North Devon in 1951 she came into contact with some Catholic girls and having decided to become a Catholic she spoke with the Parish Priest Father Lynch. He introduced her to the Marist Sisters and Sister Evelyn Mary instructed her. 

Winifred was a very gentle focused person and already well grounded in spiritual matters as a fervent Anglican.  Becoming a Catholic was a great sacrifice for her as her family were staunch Anglicans.  This did not prevent her from accepting her call to join the Marist Sisters and so she began her novitiate in Saint- Prix, making her first profession there on the 24^th September 1954.  Her final profession followed on the 13^th June 1958.

Her first appointment was as a teacher in St. Etienne in France.  She spent time in Canada and also in the United States teaching and serving as community bursar.

Winifred served the Congregation as General Councillor and General Secretary.  She was then asked to go to our Historical Centre at Bon Repos where she worked with groups, and organized conferences and visits to places significant to Marist history and the work of our Founders.

In 2002 she transferred to the English Province.  After spending four years in Nympsfield she came to Villa Maria in 2006.  During the four years she spent at the Villa, she enjoyed her walk each day around the grounds. She also loved nature and historical programmes on television.  She had great devotion to Our Lady and Saint Joseph.

In April  2010 her health was a cause of concern and she was confined to her bed.  On the 3^rd May a change was noticed in Winnie.  The Sisters and Carers kept constant watch at her bedside and that evening while praying at her bedside, the Lord called dear Winnie to Himself.

On Thursday 13^th May, Sister’s body was received into the Convent Chapel by Canon J. Cronin.

The following morning, Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 11.a.m. by Canon Cronin assisted by Mgr. J. Klyberg.

The Canon in his homily related how he first met Sister Winifred in Nympsfield shortly after she had returned from France and how he was struck by her stillness, gentleness and warmth.  He was deeply impressed when she showed him the meticulously kept notebooks of her past retreats to which she returned regularly.

The liturgy of the Word from this Mass tells us much. The first reading from Saint John  speaks of the primacy of love in our daily life.  In the Gospel we heard about Mary and the women with John at the foot of the Cross. Our Crucified Master addressed his mother “Woman this is your Son” and to John “this is your Mother” and from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.  This is what Sister Winifred sought in her own life. 

We give thanks for the life and ministries of Sister Winifred asking God to reward her with eternal life and to bless her Marist family today.

Sister Winifred was laid to rest in Hawkinge Cemetery.  Canon Cronin officiated at the graveside and we bade our final farewell with the singing of the Salve Regina and the Marist Hymn.