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05/18/2023 11:20 AML. Winifred “Winnie” O’Rourke King of Old Saybrook, passed away May 11. She was surrounded by her loved ones with the dedicated and compassionate team at Robin’s Nest at the time of her passing.
Winnie was born May 29, 1927, to Marjorie (Harriot) and James L. O’Rourke in Valcour, New York, where the family ran a seasonal bed and breakfast. In her youth, she developed her love of entertaining, crafts, and playing piano. The family moved to Mamaroneck, New York, around 1936. She graduated from Rye Neck High School in 1947. Her first job was in Manhattan at Young & Rubicam Advertising, where she made lifelong friends.
In 1947, she met the love of her life, Bernard J. “Barney” King. The couple were wed in 1950 and had five children: Julie, Barney Jr, Gregory, Christopher, and Jill. During the mid-1950s and early 1960s, while raising her young family, she moved with her husband to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Long Island. In 1965 Winnie and her family returned to Mamaroneck, where they would remain until 1985. She was a dedicated mother, always looking for an adventure with her family while traveling throughout the Northeast and New England.
In Mamaroneck, Winnie worked at the Rye Neck School District as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. She was well known and loved by many of the high school student body. Her work at the school helped to ensure her children could attend college.
After retirement in 1985, she and Barney moved to Old Saybrook. She continued her devotion to her faith at St. John Church, where she grew friendships and excelled in her crafting, especially quilting. In her retirement years, she traveled worldwide but especially to be with her children and grandchildren, who each received her gifted quilts. Winnie’s zest for life and keen sense of humor made her well-known and well-liked in Old Saybrook.
Winnie was predeceased by her beloved husband Barney; her parents; and her sisters, Mary Elizabeth and Marjorie. She is survived by her five children, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
There will be a celebration of life at 11 a.m. June 3, at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road in Old Lyme. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Robin’s Nest, 94 High St, Clinton, CT 06413.
To share a memory of Winnie or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.