Mary L. Winges

Mary left us peacefully Saturday, April 2. (She waited until the day after April 1. Mary Winges was no fool.)

She leaves behind her two sons, Mark (Tina Harrington) Winges of San Francisco and Bruce Winges of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; niece Eileen (Jerry) Britton of New Albany, Ind.; and many, many friends who she collected and treasured over her 93 years.

Mary joins her late husband and “love of her life,” Dave; daughters-in-law Mary and Bonnie; and parents Louise and Otto Watson.

Mary came to us on August 6, 1928. She grew up on First Street in the Beechmont area of the South End of Louisville. She attended Louisville Girls High School. During those years Mary went to dances, developed into a fine soprano singer and tasted the fish sandwiches at the original Cunningham’s.

After high school she took a job at the phone company while enjoying an active social life. It was her cousin Ernie who introduced Mary to one of his University of Kentucky classmates, Dave Winges, a returning World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

They shared a common hometown (Dave was from the West End) and then a life together. Mary and Dave were married on September 17, 1949.

A bit less than 10 years into their marriage, Mary and Dave purchased a lot on Kenwood Hill. Over the next 50 years they made the house they built on Dogwood Lane a home to raise their two sons and entertain friends and family.

And entertain they did. The food was good and the laughter hearty. Their Derby parties were legendary, in part because Dave grew his own mint and was not sparing with the bourbon. Mary rarely picked the winner in the pool, but that did not stop her from enjoying lively conversation and mint juleps on those first Saturdays in May.

Among the many things she passed on to her sons was her love of music. She was a gifted singer. Mary welcomed a piano teacher to her house, where both of her sons and other children took lessons. Mark became a classically trained musician while Bruce took the less formal path toward folk and bluegrass music.

Although they were married at Bethany Lutheran Church, Mary and Dave spent most of their lives at First Lutheran Church downtown. They were active members who supported the church throughout their lives. Mary brought her soprano voice to the First Church choir, donning her robe each Sunday.

Mary and Dave also were active at South Park, enjoying square dancing, swimming and July 4 fireworks at the country club. She had a keen eye, always knowing exactly where her sons were among all those kids swimming the lake.

As her boys got older, Mary took that keen eye to Spalding University. There she started a career as a teacher, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Although Mary taught different grades during her career, most of her teaching was spent at the early primary level. Her classrooms were orderly and fun, but heaven help the poor kids who were caught doing something they should not. She eventually specialized in reading, teaching courses at the university level.

Mary was a long-time member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional society for women educators.

Mary left Kenwood Hill after Dave passed away. She found a happy home at Treyton Oak Towers in Old Louisville. There she met new friends while her old friends came for visits. She remained active there, joining the book club, becoming resident chair of the dining committee and extending her joy in all things social to everyone she encountered.

The family wishes to thank her many friends – know that Mom loved and treasured each of you. We particularly express our gratitude to Joan Hancock, her gracious friend and caregiver in her final years. And to the staff and caregivers at Treyton Oak – you truly treated Mary like family.

Calling hours are from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at the Arch L. Heady Funeral Home, 3601 Taylor Boulevard. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 11, at First Lutheran Church, 417 East Broadway. Burial will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests a donation to the church or charity of your choice. Mom would like that.