Obituary of Alda Myrna Winia

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alda Myrna Winia  on March 5, 2019. Alda passed away peacefully in her sleep with her husband by her side. Born on April 25, 1932 in Hartfield, N.B. Alda was the devoted wife of Siemon Winia and mother to seven children; Sheila, Clint (Catherine), Barbara, Zelda (Bruce), Jenneth, Michael and Dana (Bob). She was the daughter of the late Elmer and Marguarite Stairs. Alda was predeceased by her first husband, Walter Leo Cole, her daughter in law Tammy Hillier-Cole, her daughter Barbara Lynn Madic, brother Donnie Stairs, sisters Juanita Kilpatrick, Ella Stairs, Darlene Reay, Rosalee Bradley, and Shona Stalker. She is survived by her husband of 37 years Siemon (Sam) Winia, 6 children, 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, her sister Audrey McDermid, brothers Dalton, Eugene, Burton, Paul and Peter Stairs.  

Alda was the monarch of her large family and devoted her entire life to raising her children and spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her husband Sam was the love of her life and was constantly by her side. She will be deeply missed by Sam, all of her children, daughter in law, son in laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Alda was the happiest when in her kitchen preparing nurturing meals and entertaining family and friends in her home. Alda loved to constantly learn new things and enjoyed painting, cooking/baking, health and nutrition, travelling, music and her beautiful flowers and gardens. Her home was always clean and sparkling and everyone was welcomed with a warm greeting and the smell of her fabulous cooking in the kitchen when they entered. Alda regularly volunteered in her community and was a life long member of the Ladies Guild, Saint Marks Chapel (Greenwood) Ladies Auxiliary (Kingston) and devoted many hours to organizing and preparing dinners for Lions members and OH Armstrong Christmas dinners. Alda was well known for her kindness and generosity always thinking of others and often putting them before herself. She had a way of including everyone young and old, her nurturing personality always put everyone at ease when in her presence.

Alda worked at CFB Greenwood in food management for 16 years and retired in 1985. Alda’s love for cooking and children lead her to accept the role of Manager of the Kingston Elementary School after retirement where she continued to prepare meals that became her “homemade specialties” for the students and staff. She particularly enjoyed greeting and interacting with the children and shared many fun stories. Alda was a strong contributor and partner with her husband Sam founding All Beauty Siding Limited and Roofing which they operated together for 20 years. She had an amazing strong work ethic and was always dedicated to doing her best as a mom, wife and provider.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Alda’s life will be held on Saturday March 23, 2019 at 2:00pm at St. Mark’s Chapel, Greenwood, NS with Padre Brenda Zwicker officiating. A reception will follow at the Kingston Fire Hall with a private family burial at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Alda’s memory can be made to the Kingston Elementary Schools Breakfast Program – Cheques can be made payable to Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education in care of Kingston Elementary School, P.O. Box 295 Kingston, NS B0P 1R0. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS (902-679-2822).