GALES FERRY: Constance (Winkie) Wood Miller, 83 -beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and cherished friend left us suddenly on August 12. Winkie lived a life rich with love and purpose.
She is survived by three children, Carolyn McGrattan (Joe) of Avon, CT; Matthew Hornberger (Colleen) of Charlotte, NC and Andy Miller of Oakdale, CT. She was predeceased by siblings Bobby, Tina and Cathi and is survived by siblings Teresa, Scott and Tod. Winkie found such joy in being a grandmother to Kayleigh, Cambrya, Grace, Lily, Victoria and Caden - each grandchild holding a special place in her heart. Her great grandchildren Hannah, Theo, and Liam were the highlight of her world.
A passionate genealogist at heart, Winkie's thirst for knowledge led her to trace her lineage back to Sweden and England as far back as the late 1500s. As an active member of the Anna Warner Bailey chapter of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she took pride in honoring her heritage while also fostering deep friendships and connections within her community. Her dedication to various social and civic organizations was everything to her and kept her very active. In addition to DAR she was involved in the Red Hat Society, WWII remembrance groups, the Lighthouse Society, and Saint David’s Episcopal Church where she lent time and compassion to those around her for years.
For 20 years she lived in Medford, NJ but her heart was in Gales Ferry and Groton where she first arrived over 50 years ago as a young Navy officers’ wife. 18 years ago, she returned back to the area she loved so much.
Winkie's adventurous spirit shone brightly through her travels across Europe, journeys fueled by a curiosity about American and European history. Whether exploring castles and cathedrals or quaint villages steeped in tradition, she surrounded herself with meaningful treasures from her journeys and antiques that told stories from other eras.She embraced every opportunity to read and learn.
Her caring nature made Winkie a go-to for friends and family during their times of need; and as the oldest of seven children, she had an innate desire to help others.
A funeral service celebrating Winkie's life will be held on Friday, October 2 at 11 AM at Saint David's Episcopal Church in Gales Ferry, CT. All are invited to a reception following the service.
It will be followed by an internment, where all are welcome, on Saturday, October 3 at 1PM in the historical Scottsville Cemetery in Danby, VT. She will be laid to rest alongside her grandparents where she will find a final resting place steeped in the New England history she so loved.
As we bid farewell to her, we hold close our memories, woven together through both shared and intimate experiences, and our knowledge that we had the opportunity to share life with a unique and special woman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, 325 Huntington Street, New London CT 06320 or the Linda C. Davis – Ledyard Food Pantry, 741 Colonel Ledyard Hwy., Ledyard CT 06339.