Winifred M. (Wilson) Mcnelis

It is with heartfelt sorrow and deepest sadness we announce the passing of Winifred M. McNelis (née Wilson) on June 29th, 2022 at the age of 87.

Winnie was the oldest child of John and Mary (Cooney) Wilson.  She was preceded by her parents, her sister Patricia Norris, brother Joseph Wilson and sister in law Francine Wilson. She is survived by her loving husband Joseph A. McNelis, sons Joseph A. McNelis (Bernadette), John P. McNelis (Iman), James C. McNelis and daughters Winifred M. Doyle (Paul) and Mary E. Dorman (Keith); seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; brother John Wilson (Mary Jo) and sister Mary Kirk (James); sister in law Mary McNelis Romano (the late Albert) and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Her parents emigrated from Scotland, and Winnie traveled “across the pond” as a toddler and throughout her life to visit family and friends there. She was a true matriarch of the Cooney, McNelis, and Wilson clans and kept family members located in Scotland, England and US closely connected.

Winnie attended St. Stephen’s Grade School in Philadelphia and graduated from Little Flower High School. She met her beloved husband Joe at a popular Pocono dance in Karamac on the Delaware.  Their first dance together, which lasted all evening, was at The Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia.  A year and half later they were married. Their loving union, rooted in affection and devotion, maintained its all-encompassing beauty for 64 years. They shared their combined love of laughter and dance with all they met.

Winnie was devoted to her family, played the piano, organ and sang at St. Francis of Assisi Church, in Springfield Pa. She sewed her own clothes, and those of her daughters, until they were old enough to protest. She was an executive assistant at Clifton Precision in Clifton Heights until her retirement. While singing at a church service at their home in Mystic Mountain, nuns asked her to join them for lunch to share her beautiful voice.  She was a life-long learner attending Widener University; a lover of poetry; and a staunch advocate for social justice. She remained politically active throughout her life and meticulously researched and supported candidates dedicated to promoting social welfare and opportunity for all.

Winnie brought music, love and laughter to all the family gatherings. Her family will miss dancing to ‘Shoe the Donkey’ at St. Patrick’s Day and Easter gatherings. She led the family in song at Christmas parties, also sewing props and assigning roles for ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’. Her grandchildren and great grand always enjoyed her creative gifts, cards and notes. Her generosity and thoughtfulness will be missed my many.  A note from Winnie found amount her writings:” laugh, live, love, that’s where I’ll be.”

A private Celebration of Life for family and close friends is planned for July 27th at Moravian Manor Chapel, 300 West Lemon Street, Lititz Pa 17543.  Family will gather at the Chapel at 10:00 a.m. The Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 a.m.  Memorials can be made to Moravian Manor in Winnie’s name, or to the charity of your choice.