East Greenbush- Winifred E. Rector, age 92, died peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital, on Tuesday, May 12 th, 2015. She was surrounded by her loving children.

Born July 30 th, 1922 in Jersey City, New Jersey, daughter of Linifred and Edith Smith and wife of the late Henry L. Rector. Winnie is survived by her children Larraine Wiese, Harry Rector, Suzanne Rector, Stephen Rector and Joanne Rector (William Reinhold), and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.


As a child of the Great Depression, she lived in a number of cities as her father, a tugboat engineer, moved the family from location to location in order to retain employment with the Moran Tugboat Company. By the time she and her family settled in Rensselaer, Winnie, as a middle school student, had attended 14 different schools. She happily remained in Rensselaer for many years, graduating from Van Rensselaer High and attending Russell Sage College.

On her way home from work at the Telephone Company, she ran into returning WWII Navy Pilot, Henry Rector, whom she first met during her middle school years. They married on June 21 st 1947 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on State Street in Albany. Together they moved to East Greenbush and raised five children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Despite being an only child, she frequently told family and friends how much she delighted in raising her children.

She enjoyed family summers, vacationing on Cape Cod in addition to traveling with her husband to number of exotic locations. Winnie and Henry were especially well known for their generous hosting of summer clambakes and parties. Friends and family were always welcome in their home.

Family would like to thank the staff at Van Rensselaer Manor, and in particular Alexa and Lori, for their exceptional care of Winnie over the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

Funeral from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer Saturday, May 16th at 5PM. All are welcome to attend. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home prior to the service on Saturday from 2-5 PM. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.