Obituary of Winifred E. "Winnie" Coleman

Winifred E. Coleman passed away June 19th at Elderwood of Liverpool. She was the second oldest child of Peter Coleman and Josephine Fahey Coleman. Winnie grew up on Tipperary Hill. She graduated from St. Patrick's School and went on to receive her undergraduate from LeMoyne College and her Masters Degree from Marquette University. She later was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from both LeMoyne College and Cazenovia College. Winnie's professional life was spent in Higher Education as Dean of Students at Cazenovia College, Dean of Students at Trinity College in Washington D.C. and as President of St Joseph University in West Hartford, Connecticut. One of her major strengths was her ability to establish strong and lasting relationships with her students who over many years kept in contact with her and honored her by naming the Student Union at Cazenovia Coleman Union in her honor. Winnie's passing marks the end of an era for both her family and friends. Her influence will be honored and valued by all who knew her. Winnie is predeceased by her parents, Peter and Josephine, her sister, Pat and her brother, Michael. She is survived by her brothers, Peter (Mary Pat) Coleman, Danny (Valerie) Coleman of Washington D.C and her sister, Mary Jo Coleman. In addition she is survived by 19 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews as well as several great-great nieces and nephews all of whom have a great love for Winnie. The family would like to give special thanks to Cazenovia College for the support they gave to Winnie. In addition, the family is most grateful to the Administration and Staff of the Athaneaum of Skaneateles and the Administration and Staff of Elderwood of Liverpool who provided such great care and were so wonderful to Winnie. For all who knew Winnie you know how much she loved her family and friends. She never tired of entertaining or giving loving support to others. In honor of that the family requests that in lieu of flowers you can honor Winnie by identifying someone in your life and show them a particular act of kindness, love and support. Calling hours will be held at the Edward Ryan Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse, NY 4pm to 7pm on Monday June 22, 2015. The Mass of Resurrection will be on Tuesday, June 23 at 10 am at St. Patrick's Church on Tipperary Hill. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.