Obituary of Winifred Stokes

It is with sadness that we share news of the peaceful passing of Winifred Stokes on October 8, 2024, at the age of 98. Born Winifred Jean MacLean to Allan and Mary in Moncton, New Brunswick, July 9, 1926, she grew up in a loving home with sisters Margaret (Giokas) and Eunice (Dickson) and brothers Allan and Sterling. She will be remembered with love by all her family and friends, and most deeply by daughter Diana (Larry Martichenko) and son Mark (Karen Gibson), and her grandchildren, Nic, Laura, Sarah and Graham.

After business college she set out to see the world, working in post-war Washington before meeting a young army captain, Rik Stokes, in Winnipeg. From there, they went to Kingston and Rik to staff college, where Win would make many lifelong friends among his classmates and their wives.  As the partner to a military officer, Win traveled widely and moved house often, taking up her role with aplomb. She was active in the church and was always willing to help out a friend or neighbour.  Having grown up in a family with a love of food and a passion for cooking, she put into practice the belief that a shared meal was the surest way to connect with others and build long-standing bonds.

In 1975, leaving the military life behind, Win, along with Mark, moved to Ottawa. This brought a return to the workforce, first as an executive assistant in a national Aboriginal organization, as an assistant to members of Parliament and a Cabinet minister, and as a public servant. Twenty years on, having retired, she would travel often to Moncton and a cherished cottage at “the shore”, as well as visiting often with family and friends in the United States and across Canada, the Niagara region—not to mention Karen and Mark’s Ottawa backyard—holding a special place in that regard.  Everywhere, though, the pattern was the same; breaking bread and sharing stories. 

Predeceased by Rik and her sister Margaret, she is survived by siblings Allan, Eunice and Sterling (Pat).  Our thanks go out to the staff at Granite Ridge Care community for their tremendous support and dedication throughout her time in their company.  Information on a celebration of Win’s life will be shared at a later date.  Online condolences may be made at colefuneralservices.com.