Winifred M. Kane
July 17, 1941 ~ February 18, 2021
BEVERLY- Winifred M. “Winnie” Kane, 79, passed away on February 18, 2021. She was the wife of Daniel "Danny, Dannyboy" Kane with whom she shared over 54 years of marriage.
Born in Dublin, Ireland on July 17, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Sean and Maureen (Bogue) Devlin. She was the eldest child and lived her entire life fine-tuning that role. She was raised in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in the early 1960’s. Winnie was employed by Aer Lingus in Dublin and was recruited to assist with the opening of their first station at Logan International Airport in Boston. She resided on the North Shore for several decades, first in Peabody and then Boxford. Winnie also lived in Homosassa, FL for 20 years before returning to Massachusetts. She enjoyed travelling and completing The New York Times crossword puzzles (in ink!) faster than her siblings. She found great joy in curating her garden at all of her homes. She was also renowned as a “fashionista,” having inherited her sense of style from her dress-maker mother, Maureen.
Winnie was quite the pioneer when it came to balancing an amazing career and the demands of motherhood during an era when juggling these two roles was uncommon. Although she lived most of her years in the United States, she frequently popped “home” to Ireland at a moment’s notice. Often, she was laden with the latest technology to bring to her family and friends in Ireland. She’d return with the most amazing chocolates and jams which were devoured by her children without permission.
Winnie traveled the globe visiting Australia, Russia, most of Europe, Hong Kong, South Africa and the Caribbean, as well as extensive exploration of North America. She passed along her love of adventure to both of her daughters. Winnie was fiercely competitive and her globe-trotting ways helped make her nigh unbeatable in trivia battles. She did so love the thrill of victory!
She was a force of nature with an indomitable spirit. It was this strength which enabled her to survive a massive stroke at the tender age of 44, one that would have felled lesser humans. Upon hearing from doctors that she might need the aid of medical apparatus to walk again, she accepted the challenge, PROUDLY strutting out of the rehabilitation center rocking four inch stilettos. She refused to compromise her high standards, instead drawing others to her level. Winnie did not suffer fools and was unapologetically vocal in her opinions. But to the depths of her core, she was selfless, and generous to those she loved. Winnie befriended people for a lifetime. You would receive cards, letters, and thoughtful gifts for every occasion or for no reason other than that she wanted you to know that you were loved and in her thoughts. Upon visiting her home, she would “Shine Up the Welcome.” Your favorite food and drinks were prepared, and you were treated like royalty--and yes, many times there was a mint on the pillow of your freshly-made bed!
Shortly after her stroke, Winnie and Danny embarked upon a pilgrimage to Medjugorje to witness in person the purported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The accommodations were rustic and the landscape harsh, posing severe physical challenges for anyone, and even more so for a recent stroke survivor. However, they returned from their quest with a renewed commitment to their Catholic faith.
In addition to her epic husband Danny, she is survived by her daughters, Bronwyn Kane and Deirdre Thomas and her son-in-law, Steven. Winnie shined as a Nana to her grandchildren, Eilís, Sinéad and Déaglán Thomas, who were blessed to have her love, support and care. Winnie is also survived by her
siblings, Angela LaGrue, Dolores Smith, Imelda Devlin, Frank Devlin, Aidan Devlin, and generations of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, John Devlin.
Her Funeral Mass will be held privately due to the pandemic. The family looks forward to a grand celebration of her life in the future. Flowers cannot be received at the church at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Winnie’s honor to The Hearing Health Foundation. www.hearinghealthfoundation.org
In the Irish language, we bid a final farewell to Winnie: Slan Abhaile, Oiche Mhaith agus Chodlagh samh. Ta gra againn duit. Slan agus beannacht dei.
“Safe home. Good night and sleep softly. We love you. Goodbye, and God bless you.”
UP THE DUBS!!!!!!!!!
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Sorry to hear of Winnie’s death, may she Rest in Peace
Clodagh Higgins Ireland
Winnie Kane was an extraordinary woman who had many talents. Growing up around her as a child she was like a 2nd mother to me. She taught us the finer points of English with almost every sentence we spoke. She was very artistic I remember her painting inside of her home with bright and vibrant colors that changed often. I had the pleasure and privilege of going to Ireland numerous times and staying with Brownwyn and Deirdre at their grandmothers home. It was there I realized where Winnie learned how to entertain and be the hostess that she was. In Ireland I would be served toast and hot chocolate in place of tea in the morning. Then have hot water bottles put on my feet at night under the covers. Winnie was a very kind caring person. I really believe I am a better person today because of her. Winnie you will be missed so much. Hope you are in heaven with my mom and dad (Dick and Jo) catching up on all the great times they had in your lives! Love you very much Winnie.
I have not seen Winnie in many years but I can clearly remember her visiting my mothers house in Sherlockstown on one of her many trips back to Ireland. She wrote me a beautiful letter after my own mother passed (Mary Devlin). Condolences to Danny and the family im sure she is looking down and taking care of you all.
Siobhan Devlin Masson
Sherlockstown
Sallins
Ireland
Happy memories of Winnie in EI Cargo in Dublin , a beautiful caring & fun person . My thoughts are with her family.
Michael O’ Reilly
I loved my Auntie Winnie so much. She was so special. Even as young kiddo I could tell everyone looked up to her. She was a leader and so kind and generous. As a kid we’d have great chats and she’d talk to me and I’d come away feeling proud of myself. She’d always stick money in your pocket and say ‘ don’t tell your mother I gave you that’ . She harvested resilience in people and she could hold the court. As a kid I knew she was super intelligent and unbelievably witty. She would shower her gran-nieces and nephews and family and friends with gifts and always remembered things like birthdays and milestones. She had wonderful ‘turn of phrases’ or in my country ‘ Dublinisms’. I will miss her story telling and her special wisdom. Slan agus beannacht my wonderful Auntie Winnie xx lara
She is now resting in peace may god be with you and your family you are all in my prays always remember the good times you had with her
Dear Danny and Bronwyn and Deirdre,
Cousin Sarah (Chantilly, Va.) here. The following e-mail came from my husband Guy’s longtime friend Donna (of Brooklyn NY). Donna was part of a rosary group praying for your Mom. She “met” Winnie on the telephone several years ago: “I’m sorry to hear this news but glad that she is no longer suffering. I remember when she and Danny were visiting you and Guy, and Guy put Winnie on the phone with me. It was years ago and I’ll never forget how devoted they were to our Lady of Medugorje. It is a special memory that I treasure. So, I only spoke with her once, but she made a lasting impression on me. I will share this news with Dotty. Rest in peace, dear Winnie.” Donna Slivoski
To Winnie’s family. I’m truly sorry for your loss and to hear that Winnie is no longer with us. I remember her well from Are Lingus Logan Airport where we were colleagues 1970-1972.
I have warm memories wwhich I will retain of her support and assistance given to me without favour and her good humour.
Thank you to Angela for providing us with the sad information. It is much appreciated.
John Moran
ex Are Lingus,
Shannon Airport
I remember the firs time I met Aunt Winnie. I was about 8 yrs old and at my Grandmas House with my Mom and Brothers. Uncle Dan was visiting from Boston where he just got a promotion from his Job. He Brought along his new Girlfriend, your Mom our Aunt to be. I remember how Beautiful she was, bubbley, Funny and out going, she also Smoked a lot, maybe because she was nervous. These are my earliest memories of your Mom that I can remember but that’s how much of a presence she left in me, being they oldest and only 8 yrs old. I know what you must be thinking, how would I remember being 8 at the time. Because 2 yrs later Bronwyn was Born and I was 10. That Christmas Aunt Winnie, Uncle Dan and that Beautiful little bundle of Joy Bronwyn came. My Grand Mother, our Grand Ma was thrilled, Along with my Mom and us Dowd Boys. Uncle Dan And Aunt Winnie brought us boys Presents. I dont remember what my Brothers got but there was a big square box for me that your Dad could hardly wait for me to open. In the box was A Guitar, I was thrilled and so Happy. Your Mom and Dad got a kick out if me fumbling around with my new toy. Thanks to them I still play my One of many guitars.
Aunt Winnie is a Great Lady of sophistication and Grace. when ever I visited your house she treated me like Family and was very generous to us all. I have many great Memories of your Mom, Love your Mom.
May She Rest in peace in Gods Grace. She is a Great Mom to you Girls and role Model. Love you Bronwyn and Dierdre, God Bless you All.
Jean byrne is following this tribute.
May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of St. Patrick behold you. Codlach samh.
Rob & Grainne
Beautiful picture!
I will miss my Auntie Winnie very very much. Winnie was the most wonderful elder sister to all her siblings, but also like a big sister to her nieces and nephews. I have so many wonderful memories of visits to Boxford, of Winnie’s generosity and warmth, and of a white Christmas. We are blessed to have had such a wonderful light in our lives, and it saddens me that my own little family did not meet my Auntie Winnie. To Danny Bronwyn and Deirdre, all our love from Thailand at this saddest of times. May you rest in peace my Auntie Winnie.
Geoff, Nat and Olivia, Phuket Thailand.
It’s raining in Ireland today Winnie and the mists are lying low over the hills. We are missing you.
My dear Winnie, thank you for all you have done for me in the more than 30 years that we knew each other. A new immigrant to the United States, you picked me up from the airport, gave me a warm bed and drove me to get my social security number.
For fun, you brought me to dinner on Route 1 and shopping at the mall. And we had fun! The memories of those days will always be with me. The joy of finding the perfect silk shirt or the leather gloves in those exquisite shades was only surpassed by getting them at a bargain price. I could tell that you were excited for Imelda and me when we “shopped wisely”. Home we’d go with the purchases where they would have to be re-examined and chic new ensembles created around them.
At Christmas time, you invited me to join the Kane and Devlin families for the holidays. There were Christmas decorations in every nook and cranny and an avalanche of presents under the tree – it took my breath away. The experience was not the proverbial “home away from home” but an overwhelming feeling of “HOME”. There was a warmth and a welcome at the Kanes that was extra special. You shared your wonderful family with me, the melodious Danny and the lovable Kane sisters, Bronwyn and Deirdre.
Winnie, I miss your wisdom and your counsel. I miss your elegance and your style advice. I miss your travel tips. But most of all, I miss your wicked sense of humor and that mischievous grin across the dinner table.
So glad our paths crossed in this lifetime. Look forward to seeing you in the next.
Anne in County Cavan, Ireland
John my dad Dick Boles and Winnie had so much fun working at Are Lingus! There are so many great stories including the one while they were on vacation and worked the flight even tho they were passengers Just to get everyone on their way to their destination!
Lit a candle in memory of Winifred M. Kane
Beautiful picture of her. We just yesterday heard of her passing. We are so very sorry. Both of your parents had several friends and neighbors here in Florida. They are missed very much. God bless Dan and the rest of the family…
Chuck and Gayle Rosiek