On June 2, 2023, Winifred "Winnie" Ann Auchter, age 85, passed away at her home in Grandville, Michigan. Born in Pittsburgh on March 1, 1938, to Margaret (Franz) Hallman and George Hallman. Winnie was raised by her mother in Reading, Pennsylvania with the caring and loving assistance of her extended family. She met Richard (Dick) Auchter, the love of her life, at Reading Central Catholic High School.
After graduating, Winnie moved with her mother to Los Angeles where she earned her bachelor's degree from Immaculate Heart College. She returned to Reading to work as a middle school teacher and married Dick in 1960. Winnie and Dick started their family in Pennsylvania before moving to Gaffney, South Carolina, and eventually to Grand Blanc, Michigan. After their children graduated college, Winnie and Dick moved to Clarkston, Michigan, and then in later years to Grandville, Michigan.
Winnie had a lifelong love of animals and took in many strays and rescue dogs and cats whose lives were filled with so much love and comfort. She was a fantastic mom. The depth of her love, compassion, understanding, and kindness was exceptional. Every day, every circumstance, her family could count on her support and guidance. She will be missed by all who knew her and very fondly remembered every day.
Winnie was a thoroughly kind person. She was warmly polite, put others first (often to a fault), and was full of compassion for the marginalized and the suffering. But that kindness was never to be confused with weakness. She was fiercely true to herself, a pillar of strength to her family, and devoted to her marriage and her faith. She had a quick, authentic laugh that felt like joy and a subtle wit that could elicit that same laughter from others.
Winnie’s response to life’s challenges was exemplary. She provided strength and support without question. She listened, comforted, and — when appropriate — provided council. A true empath, she made our burdens her own. She showed us how stoicism, when needed, can later be released as emotion; release being a vital enabler to continue to be strong for others. The secret of that transformation, that service, that example is just one of Winnie’s extraordinary legacies.
She is survived by her husband Dick; son, Michael (Alan Schneider); son, John (Jane Auchter); grandchildren Elisira (Eric Lunderberg), Natalina, Atticus; daughter, Kristen (Andrew Camilli); grandchildren Adam, Ian, and Anna; and first cousin Kay (Jacques Andre).
Winnie is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret (Franz) Hallman; aunts Catherine and Josephine; and uncle, Michael.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418 with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Winnie's favorite charity, Leader Dogs for the Blind of Rochester, Michigan (https://www.leaderdog.org/). The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.
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