Grafton – Winifred “Winnie” Paul, 96, passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northbridge after an illness. Her husband, Ernest Paul, passed away in 1981.
Winnie is survived by her daughters, Karen Kenary and her husband John, Alanna Capaldi and her husband John, and Suzanne Paul and her husband Thomas McKoan; her grandchildren, James and his wife Jennifer and Matthew Kenary and Lindsey and Anna Capaldi; her great-grandchildren, Jenna and Jack Kenary; her sister, Evelyn Paul; her brother, John Farrell and his wife Priscilla;and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Francis, Raymond and Alfred Farrell, and her sisters, Virginia Holt and Anna Army.
Winnie was born May 16, 1919 in Grafton, daughter of the late Laura (Boucher) and Michael Farrell. Her roots were in Grafton and she lived in town for nearly her entire life.
Winnie took her citizenry to heart; she was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Lions Club and spent her life working in local government and for her beloved church of St. James to make the world a better place. During WW II, she worked for the Draft Board and received a citation from President Roosevelt for her efforts. She also helped to make bandages for wounded soldiers.
After the war, she joined the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary helping them with fundraising and taking food and coffee to the firefighters during fires. She joined the St. James Women’s Club and helped with fundraising, assisted with numerous projects and served on the St. James Parish Council and Bereavement Committee for many years. In addition she was a member in the St. Margaret’s Circle #300 Daughters of Isabella where she was a Regent and spent eight years as its Chancellor.
During the 1970s, she served on a committee for the Grafton Council on Aging and became its chairperson for 16 years. She also was on the founding committee for the Friends of Grafton Elders (FOGE).
Winnie was employed for many years by the State of Massachusetts as a social worker, working at the Milford Department of Welfare until her retirement. Her life of service to others was an exemplary one which now becomes the legacy her family treasures.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Whitney Place, Beaumont Skilled Nursing Center and Salmon Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance.
All are invited to gather with Winnie’s family Monday, Oct. 19, from 4-7 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m., at St. James Church, 89 Main St., South Grafton. She will then be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in South Grafton.
In lieu of flowers, honor Winnie with a donation to Friends of Grafton Elders (FOGE), PO Box 186, Grafton, MA 01519.
Visit www.RoneyFuneralHome.com to share a memory of Winnie or message of sympathy with her family.
