Methuen, MA – Winifred L. “Winnie” (McComish) Medauer 88 yrs. died Tuesday morning December 14, 2010 at the Academy Manor Nursing Home in Andover.
Born in Lawrence, Winnie moved to Methuen in the eighth grade and graduated from the Edward F. Searles High School in 1941. She was the daughter of Frank V. and Hilda (Scott) McComish. Her father was the Executive Director of the Methuen Housing Authority in the ‘60’s.
Winnie married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. “Bob” Medauer, in 1942. Each joined the service and served in World War II. In 1943, shortly after women were allowed to enlist, Winnie, 4’10” on a good day, enlisted in the Marines. At that time, you had to be at least 5 feet to join. Undaunted, Winnie got “stretched” the night before her physical. Even though she still didn’t quite make 5 feet, upon hearing her story, a sympathetic Marine doctor approved her enlistment because she exemplified Marine determination.
Winnie was one of the first women to be assigned to Cherry Point Naval Air Station in North Carolina. She was a drill instructor and Staff Sergeant at the time of her honorable discharge.
After the war, Winnie primarily worked in retail sales. She worked at Sutherlands, Cherry & Webbs, Raymonds, Almays, and A.K. Thompson. Winnie was a talented painter and prolific writer. A political activist, she was one of the founding members of the Tenney Preservation Association. In later years, she was active at the Methuen Senior Center where she was a member of their chorus.
Winnie’s husband, Bob, predeceased her in 2002. She is survived by two daughters: Randall L. and her husband Richard H. Hanson of Andover, and Robin D. and husband Martin F. Murphy also of Andover, 4 grandchildren: Elizabeth Cranston of Collingswood, New Jersey, Ryan Hanson of Brighton, MA, Amy McGrath of Milton, MA, and Marty Murphy of Andover, and 5 great grandchildren.
At Winnie’s request there will be no calling hours. The funeral will be private.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc. 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen.