Northborough – Winifred A. Hesemeyer, age 91, died peacefully after a short illness on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the Coleman House in Northborough.
Wini was born in Montclair, Quincy, Mass., on July 24, 1931, to the late Walter and Alma (Olmstead) Birch. Her mother, Alma passed away when she was a toddler, and Wini was then raised by her stepmother, Ethel Birch. Wini was of Swedish descent and proud of her heritage.
Wini was a graduate of North Quincy High School and later received an associate’s degree from Quinsigamond Community College, of Worcester. Early on, she worked at John Hancock in Boston, until she married her husband, Al and had her children.
Wini always enjoyed drawing and painting, loved the outdoors, especially time spent at Geneva Point Center on Lake Winnipesaukee, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her family and friends. She spent most of her life as a resident of West Boylston.
She volunteered throughout most of her life, early on, she was on the school PTA committees, was a Camp Fire Leader, and held roles in a variety of other organizations. She was on the Ecumenical Committee in town and was a member of the First Congregational Church in West Boylston, at which she helped organize the Food Pantry and helped with the church’s children’s program and Thrift Shop, and she later worked as a home health aide.
Wini was a beloved wife, mother, and nana. She is predeceased by her loving husband Al, Alfred A. Hesemeyer, of 66 years. She leaves her sons, Kirk Hesemeyer and wife, Taraneh, and Kreg Hesemeyer and wife, Christine, her daughter Kirsten Fletcher and husband, Michael; and five beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Kyle and Kian Hesemeyer and Krista and Keith Fletcher and Krista’s husband, Nate Andrews; her brother Howard Birch of Berlin and sister-in-law Linda Birch of Westborough, and as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also predeceased by her brother Richard Birch and sister-in-law Audrey Birch.
Above all, Wini was endlessly kind and caring, had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. She had a joy for life and was blessed to have lived it fully.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of her Life service at 11 a.m., on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at The First Congregational Church of West Boylston, 26 Central Street, West Boylston.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.
To share a memory or offer condolence, please visit the Tribute Wall at Miles Funeral Home of Holden.
