Obituaries: Winifred B. Swenson
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| Winifred B. Swenson |
May 07, 2009
Winifred B. "Winnie" Swenson, a lifetime resident of Cornwall, NY, entered into eternal rest on May 5, 2009 at Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, Newburgh, NY. She was born in Florida, NY on October 17, 1915, the daughter of the late Louis A. Schriebeis and Anna E. Gleischner.
She was a parishioner of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Cornwall. She graduated from Cornwall High School and loved to reflect on her State Championship Basketball career at CHS. She continued her studies at NYU and obtained her Broker's License. She married her darling, Harold C. Swenson, on October 13, 1940. He predeceased her on March 1, 1968.
Winnie was raised on Main Street and always referred to herself as "just a girl from Main Street USA". She began her insurance career in 1935 after graduation and was secretary to William T. Wilson of the New York Life Insurance Company. He subsequently began his own agency, W.T. Wilson, Inc., in 1941 where she became an officer and broker in his business and received one share of stock. In 1945, the agency became W.A. Mannheim, Inc. where she was made a full partner receiving 51% of the shares.
On June 5, 1955, she achieved her goal, naming her company, Winifred Swenson Insurance, located at 326 Main Street and owning 100% of the shares. He motto became "big enough to serve you, small enough to know you" which held true to her retirement.
She was a pioneer in the insurance industry. She became the first woman agent appointed out of the Kemper Group, Syracuse Office. She was a member of the President's Club for many years, as well as a preferred agent designated as a partnership agency. She celebrated her 50th Anniversary in the insurance industry in October 1985. Winnie was an Insurance and Real Estate Broker, as well as a Notary Public and maintained her licenses proudly.
She was a recipient of the Insurance Professional of the Year Award by the Insurance Professionals of Orange County, Federation of New York Insurance Professionals, Inc., Independent Insurance Agents Association of New York, Inc., and Professional Insurance Agents of New York. She holds the FIPC designation, which is presented in recognition of her professionalism and dedication to the insurance industry.
Winnie was also very active in business, community and political affairs; Cornwall High School Alumni Association, Young Republican Club-Town of Cornwall, N.Y.S. Young Republican Club Delegate to National Convention, Vice-Chairman Ninth Judicial District, President Republican Club of Cornwall, Charter Member-Highland Engine #1 Ladies Auxiliary, Board of Fire Commissioners (first woman appointed to board), Charter Member Cornwall Businessmen's Association, Treas, Republican Committee of Cornwall, Republican Orange County Committee Woman, Board Member Greater Cornwall Association, Sponsor Museum of Hudson Highlands, Director Zonta Club of Newburgh International Association of Business & Professional Women, Chairperson Battered Women Committee, Member of Development Committee - Cornwall Hospital, Original Member of Cornwall July 4th Celebration Committee and served as the Grand Marshall in the Annual Parade, AHRC Coordinator, Annual Sidewalk Sale, Chairperson for many community fund drives; including, United Way, Cancer, Heart Association, March of Dimes.
Winnie is predeceased by her sister, Mildred Gayton; niece, Stephanie Sherman; and great niece, Jodi Gayton Lasala.
Survivors include her best friend and caregiver, Jean Bouton; nieces: Constance White of Milton, NY, Gwendolyn Reichenberger and friend, Charles Lind of Port Orange, FL, Audrey Armendarez and husband, Jose of New Windsor, Melanie Gayton of Hyde Park, Theresa Woznick and husband, Charles of Maybrook; nephews: Robert Gayton and wife, Sandra of Mountainville, NY, Stephen Gayton and wife, Carol of Port Orange, FL, David Gayton and fiancé,, Annette Mistretta of Port Ewen, NY, Richard Gayton and friend, Carrie Ferguson of New Windsor, Edward Gayton of Newburgh; 22 great, 31 great-great, and four great-great-great nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives may call on Friday, May 8, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home, 337 Hudson St., Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 9, at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Engine Co. #1, Cornwall, NY 12518.
Comments:
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My dad, Bill Zahn, took me to Winnie for my first 'self-owned' car insurance policy. I was nervous because this was a big step, but remember fondly how Winnie treated me with respect and dignuty. It was quite a momentous occasion and, obviously, one I won't forget. Winnie was the consumate lady and businesswoman.
posted by Beth Texter on 05/08/09 at 2:44 AM
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I also got my first insurance with Winnie Swenson,1978,She was great ,God blessed us with her.
posted by James McQuillan on 01/14/10 at 7:51 PM
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