Winifred Savageau

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Funeral Mass:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Winnie Savageau, our devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Winnie passed away peacefully at age 91 on February 5, 2025, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Winifred Benedicta Bernardy was born April 2, 1933, and raised in Detroit Lakes, MN. Her passion for caring for others led her into nursing, and she was so proud of her career as a nurse. She loved working in the St. John’s Hospital birthing unit, helping to care for newborns and mothers; for Portamedic doing in-home medical evaluations; and as a parish nurse.

She married James Savageau on September 8, 1956, and together they created a loving home and family in the South Acres neighborhood of Fargo. Her greatest joy in life was raising her children, and she devoted much of her life to her family. She loved attending her children’s activities throughout their school years, and her enthusiasm for sports was legendary—so much so that she unfortunately may have become well-known by name to many referees.

Her devotion to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was also known by all. It was universally understood that you never interrupt Winnie during a game! Her passion for her Irish heritage was reflected in the way her home radiated the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day year-round.

Beyond her nursing vocation, she found joy in gardening, cooking, and nurturing beautiful flowers. She also cherished time with friends and family, delighted in a competitive game of cards, was an avid reader, and relished a good joke.

Winnie’s initiative to create the Shanley Auction became a long-standing tradition, raising funds for her St. John Paul II Catholic Schools community and leaving a lasting impact. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. A deeply devout Catholic, she evangelized her love of Christ with others and was honored to serve as a Eucharistic Minister to those unable to attend Mass. Her weekly cardiac rehab group and her Tuesday prayer group brought her much joy in her later years.

Family was everything to Winnie. She always welcomed loved ones into her home with open arms. Family meals were sacred, and her table was always full—though there was always room for one more plate. She found great joy in visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Winnie was predeceased by her loving husband Jim, her sisters Kay and Mary, and brothers Tom, Tim and Jack. She is survived by her children, Paul (Pauline) Savageau, Michelle (Kyle) Swaney, Mary Pat (Anthony) Pandolfo, Annette (Dean) Welk, Catherine (Leif) Wold, Joe (Connie) Savageau, John (Mary Jo) Savageau, and Michael (Colleen) Savageau; her 27 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends who will remember her fondly.

A celebration of Winnie’s life will start with a prayer service at 7 pm Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Friday, February 14, 2025, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, with visitation starting at 9 am. Burial will follow lunch at St. Benedict’s Cemetery, Wild Rice, ND.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JPII Catholic Schools, Fargo, or St. Gianna Pietro Molo Maternity Home, Minto, ND.

Winnie’s legacy of love, faith, and service will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

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