Elizabeth “Lee” Marguerite Winter, 88, died at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Knox County Nursing Home.
Lee was born on November 19, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Giacomo “James” and Lorita “Rita” (Pirolli) Visco. She was married in Philadelphia in 1946. Lee was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loving great-grandmother. She is survived by two sons Robert (Gail) Winter of Galesburg, Richard (Cheryl) Winter, Jr. of Peoria, one daughter, Denise Bailey of Knoxville, and their father, Richard Winter, Sr. of Galva; eight grandchildren, Kelly Mussehl, Michelle Vella, Matt Winter, Aaron Winter, Elizabeth “Libby” Perez, Michael Bailey, Austin Winter and Kathryn Winter; and 17 great-grandchildren. Along with her parents and six siblings, she was preceded in death by a son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Crislyn Winter, a son-in-law, Dennis Bailey, and a great-grandson, Paul Winter.
In addition to raising her four children, Lee worked in dining services at Knox College in the 60s, and later as a cook at the Landmark Café and Northgate Lounge. She was one of the first to make Landmark’s crepes and special spinach bisque.
Lee loved her country and was extremely proud of her Italian heritage and her birthplace. She was always quick to tell people that Philadelphia is referred to as the city of “brotherly love.” Lee held many officer positions in the American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the Eight and Forty. She was an avid Phillies fan, and loved to read, listen to country music and Italian singers, play bingo, and solve crossword puzzles.
Lee made a difference in the lives of many. She always had a soft spot for children and animals. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Doggy Daze Program or to the Friends of Knox County Nursing Home.
The rosary will be prayed at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Visitation will follow from 2 to 3 p.m. with a funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff on Wing 4 at Knox County Nursing Home for their kindness and loving care, and to Hospice Compassus.
