Patricia Marie “Patty” Winger
April 21st, 1941 - March 13th, 2025
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Patty's Obituary
Patricia M “Patty/Pat” Winger, 83, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in St. Joseph.
Patty was born on April 21, 1941, in Wheeling, WV, to Patrick & Dorothy (Lucas) Coyne. Her family moved several times during her childhood and lived in Baltimore, as well as 5 exceptional years in Houston, TX, where she met many lifelong friends at the Saint Vincent DePaul School and Marian High School before ultimately moving to Pennsylvania. In 1959, she graduated from St. Joseph High School in Oil City, PA, and continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and a minor in Social Studies from Villa Maria College in 1963. On April 4, 1964, Patty married the love of her life, Daniel Winger, in Oil City. The two were happily married for 50 years before his passing in 2014.
Besides her family and friends, Patty’s biggest passion in life was education. She started off her teaching career in Cleveland, Ohio and continued as a home economics and life management teacher until she retired from St. Joseph Public Schools (MI) in 2010. Patty devoted her life to shaping and inspiring countless students, guiding them with patience, kindness and genuine compassion, in and out of the classroom. Patty was not only a beloved teacher, but she was also a tremendous supporter of St. Joe Athletics. From selling tickets to cheering at the games (regardless of the sport), Patty was always there with a smile on her face. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, reading, playing games, working on crossword puzzles and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. Patty was an incredible mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and friend, and she will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Patty is survived by her children, Stephen (Patricia) Winger of Valparaiso, David (Sierra Mow) Winger of Niles, Timothy Winger of St. Joseph, Julie Piontek of St. Joseph, and Lynn Kensinger of Holland; grandchildren Erin (Steven) Clark, Nathan Winger, Denver Winger, Morgan Piontek, Lindsey Piontek, Grayson Kensinger, and Mikaela Kensinger; great-grandson, Rodney Clark; siblings, Rose (Tom) Porter and Joseph Coyne; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick & Dorothy Coyne, three sisters, Mary Ann (Mike) Pack, Dolores Coyne, & Maggie (Joel) Camp, and husband, Daniel.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 1 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 11 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of traditional attire, please feel free to wear your favorite informal outfit to celebrate Patty’s preference for the casual and laidback.
Those wishing to leave condolence messages may go to www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider leaving a memorial contribution in Patty’s name directly to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation.
Patty was born on April 21, 1941, in Wheeling, WV, to Patrick & Dorothy (Lucas) Coyne. Her family moved several times during her childhood and lived in Baltimore, as well as 5 exceptional years in Houston, TX, where she met many lifelong friends at the Saint Vincent DePaul School and Marian High School before ultimately moving to Pennsylvania. In 1959, she graduated from St. Joseph High School in Oil City, PA, and continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and a minor in Social Studies from Villa Maria College in 1963. On April 4, 1964, Patty married the love of her life, Daniel Winger, in Oil City. The two were happily married for 50 years before his passing in 2014.
Besides her family and friends, Patty’s biggest passion in life was education. She started off her teaching career in Cleveland, Ohio and continued as a home economics and life management teacher until she retired from St. Joseph Public Schools (MI) in 2010. Patty devoted her life to shaping and inspiring countless students, guiding them with patience, kindness and genuine compassion, in and out of the classroom. Patty was not only a beloved teacher, but she was also a tremendous supporter of St. Joe Athletics. From selling tickets to cheering at the games (regardless of the sport), Patty was always there with a smile on her face. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, reading, playing games, working on crossword puzzles and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. Patty was an incredible mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and friend, and she will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Patty is survived by her children, Stephen (Patricia) Winger of Valparaiso, David (Sierra Mow) Winger of Niles, Timothy Winger of St. Joseph, Julie Piontek of St. Joseph, and Lynn Kensinger of Holland; grandchildren Erin (Steven) Clark, Nathan Winger, Denver Winger, Morgan Piontek, Lindsey Piontek, Grayson Kensinger, and Mikaela Kensinger; great-grandson, Rodney Clark; siblings, Rose (Tom) Porter and Joseph Coyne; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick & Dorothy Coyne, three sisters, Mary Ann (Mike) Pack, Dolores Coyne, & Maggie (Joel) Camp, and husband, Daniel.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 1 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 11 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of traditional attire, please feel free to wear your favorite informal outfit to celebrate Patty’s preference for the casual and laidback.
Those wishing to leave condolence messages may go to www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider leaving a memorial contribution in Patty’s name directly to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation.
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