Winifred Anne “Winnie” Ettinger, age 88, of Rome, passed away after a long illness on May 8, 2015 at Rome Memorial Hospital.

Winnie was born in Utica on November 20, 1926 to the late William and Grace McMahon Rickard. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Middletown, NY in 1946. On January 28, 1950, she was united in marriage to Francis H. Ettinger; a blessed union of 56 years until his passing on August 28, 2006.

Along with her father Willie P., she ran Rickard’s Ranch for several years. Winnie then worked as a cook at the New York State School for the Deaf in Rome for many years. A job she loved immensely, cooking and serving the children. She was also a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church.

Everyone looked forward to Winnie’s famous bread pudding, rice pudding, and pumpkin bread she made for various occasions. She looked forward to the Halloween tradition where all her children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren always came to celebrate.

Winnie is survived by five daughters, Suzanne (Ted) Mooney of Rome, Cheryl (David) Sexton of Floyd, Nancy (Dennis) Bruce of Homer, Robin Ettinger of Rome, and Kimberly (Gary) Smith of Frankfort; a son, Christopher Ettinger of Syracuse; 14 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; a favorite cousin Delores Chapman; and her canine companion Nellie who was always by her side. She was predeceased by two sons, William in 1964 and Timothy in 2007; a great, granddaughter, Alexandra Ettinger; a sister, Doris Norman; and two brothers, William and Elmer Rickard.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Cesana, Dr. Alan Simons, Dr. Bisharm Garg, and Rome Hospital Medical Staff.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 9:30 AM from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church at 10:30 AM, with the Rev. Philip A. Hearn officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 to 5 PM.

Please offer online condolences or light a candle: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.

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