Winnie Cosby Fitzgerald

Portsmouth, RI - Winnie Cosby Ashook Fitzgerald, of Portsmouth, RI, died April 10, at Newport Hospital surrounded by her family. Born on April 19, 1927 in Perry County, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Freeman Cosby and the late Mary Lillian (Smith) Cosby. Winnie received her B.A. in Education from Barrington College, and her M.A. in English from the University of Rhode Island. Winnie was a teacher of English at Portsmouth High School for over twenty-five years. "Mrs. Ashook" was known as a demanding and dedicated teacher, who worked tirelessly to enable her classes to excel at their highest levels. She was also beloved by her students for her warmth, her intelligence, and her willingness to give them personal attention and encouragement. Over the years, she received many letters and visits from former students, who wanted to thank her for how well she prepared them to meet the challenges of thinking and writing clearly, both in college and in their professional lives. She was also for several years the drama teacher at Portsmouth High School, and during that time she was director of the Tiverton Little Theater. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Newport, and maintained close ties with Calvary United Presbyterian Church in Fall River, where she and her family had been members for many years. Warm, generous, and kind, Winnie had many close friends. She enjoyed life, and was known for her beauty, style, and taste. She was a talented and creative seamstress, and could also master any sort of needlework to which she set her hand. For a time she taught needlepoint, and over the years she knit and crocheted beautiful blankets, sweaters, jackets, and other items which will be treasured for generations to come. Her ability as a cook was legendary among her friends and family, as well as her talent for throwing great parties. She always remained a true southerner at heart, and one of her greatest pleasures was bringing people together to enjoy her warm hospitality. Winnie loved her family above everything else. She is survived by her husband of twenty years, Edward F. Fitzgerald. Her first husband, Michael W. Ashook, died in 1985 after 39 years of marriage. Her three brothers, Benjamin Freeman Cosby, Jr., Roy Pryor Cosby, and William Francis Cosby, all predeceased her. She leaves behind two children: Kathleen Ashook Weber (Art) of Middletown, Robin Elizabeth Ashook of Newport; two stepchildren, C Scott Fitzgerald (Vicki) of Green Bay, WI and C Lyn Fitzgerald Lombardi (Rick) of Middletown. She is also survived by four grandchildren, to whom she was a devoted, generous, and very beloved grandmother: Emily Weber, C Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, C Patrick Lombardi and C Tara Lombardi. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 4-7pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.Her memorial service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013, at 11am in First Presbyterian Church, 6 Everett Street, Newport, RI. Visitation MAY 30. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service MAY 31. 11:00 AM First Presbyterian Church Broadway and Everett Street Newport, RI, US