In memory of

Winifred Widner

February 13, 1925 - August 25, 2023

Born February 13,1925 in Heptonstall, England to Joseph Lees and Kathleen Kirk. Died peacefully on August 25, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. Win was predeceased by her husband of sixty years, René. Win is survived by her brother, Vincent Lees of Todmorden, Lancashire and by her five children and their spouses: Marc (Maryse Fournier), Anne-Marie (Paul Szymanski), Elisabeth (Julian Falconer), Paul (Janie Kim) and Michael (Janet Connolly), as well as eleven grandchildren: Jean-Sébastien(Jazz), Véronique, Isabel, John, Michael, Benjamin, Justin, Jessica, Christopher (Taylor), Adrian, Evelyn, and great grandchildren Noah and Harper. Win excelled in academics in her formative years. She was a scholarship pupil at Todmorden Grammar School leading to a state scholarship that earned her a place at St Hilda's College, Oxford University, studying modern languages, and receiving her MA in French literature. After spending time in Paris, where she met René, and London, Win emigrated to Canada in 1955 to join René. Win began a teaching career that was highlighted by her position as the first female teacher at St Michael's College School in Toronto. Win was a long time member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Toronto and in retirement remained an active volunteer with the parish, Meals on Wheels and the Toronto Public Library. Our family is blessed with the memory of an extraordinary woman who provided unconditional love throughout our lives and constantly did everything in her power to make our lives better.
The family thanks the team at New Horizons Tower, Toronto for their dedicated and compassionate care. A Funeral Mass will be held for the family at Holy Rosary Church, Toronto. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Charitable donations may be made to ShareLife at www.sharelife.org.

Guestbook

(5 of 7)

Isabel Szymanski (Granddaughter)

Entered August 30, 2023 from 314 Rushton Rd

Thank you for being such a great grandmother to all of us, I am so great full for you. I will forever miss you.

Véronique Widner (Granddaughter)

Entered August 31, 2023 from Toronto

My fondest memories of Win took place when I moved back to Toronto as a young adult, about to start my studies at UofT. Her and René kindly invited me every week for a nice dinner at their place to catch up and check in with me. We bonded over our love of Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, and classic British literature in general. We had such great conversations. Win was such a strong and inspiring woman, and one of the pillars of our family. I truly feel blessed and lucky to be her granddaughter, and I will always keep her in my heart. May she rest in peace.

Amy Block (Friend of Elisabeth Widner)

Entered August 31, 2023 from Toronto

My sincere condolenses to the Widner family. Your mother sounds lke a remarkable woman who has shaped two generations. May her memory be a blessing. Yours truly. Amy Block

Karen Falconer (Family)

Entered September 3, 2023

Win was an impressive matriarch whose devotion to her family was unquestionable. Her children have always struck us as deeply loving, principled and strong parents, she led the way in this and left an indelible mark for all of us Falconers to also follow. Our deepest condolences to all the Widner family, you were so lucky to be loved by her.

Vince Pagano (Colleague)

Entered January 16, 2024 from Toronto

Win was one of the most classy ladies I have ever met. She was a superb teacher and a loyal friend. My biggest regret is that I did not get to know her better. Rest in peace, Winny. We will miss you.