Born on January 18, 1945, in Detroit, Carolyn was the daughter of Harry and Marie (Figliacconi) Fryer. She was the only daughter and the second of three children. On August 25, 1962, she married Delbert Earl Wininger, and together they spent 62 years building a life and family filled with love.
Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. Her life was built around the people she shared it with, and she was devoted to preserving family heritage and traditions. She was an unparalleled chef and homemaker, the life of every party, and the tie that bound us all together.
As her body bore the cherished signs of age, her mind and spirit were ageless! Gma, as she was affectionately known by all, will be truly missed each day by all of her family and friends. Her life and contributions will continue to be celebrated and remembered now and forever because hers was a legacy of love!
Carolyn is survived by her beloved husband, Earl; her precious children, Maureen (Mike) Hill, Carla (Vince) Allen, Earl (Lois) Wininger, Harry (Ann) Wininger; her treasured grandchildren, Carmen Allen, Claire Allen, Haley (Abijah) Taylor, Alexandra (Alexander) Wilkinson, Chloe Hill, Earl Michael Wininger, Eric Wininger, Ian (Valerie) Wininger, Brenna Wininger; and her darling great-grandson, Jude Wilkinson. She is also survived by her dearest friend and chosen sister, Ann Abratowski; her cherished Aunt Toni, cousin Carol DeBaker, sister-in-law Lori Streb & brother-in-law Don Streb; all her much-loved nieces and nephews including the great and great-greats, and her dear friends. Carolyn was also preceded in death by her father, Harry Fryer, mother, Almerinda Genuise, step father, Thomas Genuise, brothers, Kenneth and Harry Fryer, and her Sister-in-law, Judith Fryer (wife of Harry).
Family and friends and others whose lives Carolyn touched are invited to the Edward Swanson & Sons Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071, from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2024, to reminisce, grieve, and support each other. Flowers can be sent directly to the funeral home for the visitation.
The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024. The gathering will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the Mass beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m., at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48312. A celebration of life will follow at The Gazebo Banquet Hall, 31104 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48092. Accommodations are generous, so all are welcome and encouraged to join the family to celebrate Carolyn!
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and deep gratitude for all expressions of sympathy and acts of kindness during this time of bereavement.
