Dorothea Anne Winkiewicz

Sutton, MA – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Dorothea Anne (Ruchala) Winkiewicz, 86, on March 27 at the Rose Monahan Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.

She leaves behind three daughters Donna Beckwith and her husband Robert of Millbury, Pamela Campanale and her husband Jeff of Sutton, and Stephanie Fennelly and her husband Rick of Charlton. She is predeceased by her husband of thirty-five years Charles L. Winkiewicz and her daughters Christine Belanger and Patricia Surette.

She leaves behind many grandchildren, Kristen Jaegar and her husband Mike, Rachel Yu and her husband Jong, Anthony Campanale and his wife Alisha, James Campanale, Michael Campanale, Jennifer Beckwith, Dr. Charles Surette, Nicholas Fennelly, Steven Belanger, Kayla Parker, and her great-grandchildren, Arielle, Alexis, Aaleyah, Angelina and Ezra. She also leaves behind her sons-in-law, Paul Surette and Tom Belanger.

She was born in Worcester, MA and graduated from Saint Mary’s High School. She received a medical secretary certification from Salter Secretarial School and began her career assisting in eye surgeries for Dr. Brogie in Worcester. She married her soul-mate and best friend in 1957, and moved to Sutton in 1971 where she lived for the last 53 years of her life. She continued her career working for a local newspaper, the Tribune, and later worked for Dr. Robert Bajema, a primary care physician. When she retired, she dedicated many years to caring for her youngest grandson until he began kindergarten, an example of just one of the countless ways she blessed us with her unending love and support.

Her grace, wisdom and enduring love illuminated our world, guiding us all through life’s joys and sorrows with unwavering compassion. Her family meant everything to her. It was what kept her young having lost her husband so early in life. She was a constant presence in our lives and never missed a recital, Christmas play, soccer game, basketball game, birthday party or graduation. She went on countless trips from New York to Arizona to Florida, Toronto and Turks and Caicos – creating lasting memories. Christmas Eve was eagerly anticipated by everyone in our family, as we participated in Wigillia, a traditional Polish Christmas Eve supper. It was the one night she loved so very much, knowing that everyone in our extended family would be together.

We will hold fast to the memories we shared, treasuring each moment like a rare and precious jewel. For in our hearts, she shall forever dwell, a timeless symbol of love’s enduring power and the beauty of a life well-lived. Rest peacefully Mom, knowing that your love lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you. Your spirit will remain eternally present, a guiding light in the darkness and a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty. Your enduring love and relentless determination to battle through illness in your final years will continue to inspire us all, profoundly shaping the essence of our souls.

Dorothea’s family will gather at Mulhane Home for Funerals, Millbury, MA on Tuesday, April 2 to share heartfelt memories and special moments to celebrate her beautiful life. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mark’s Church in Sutton, MA immediately followed by a burial at Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester, MA. All services will be private.