Winnie Mildred Limperos, aged 99 years, 9 months, and 1 day, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
It is impossible to express the magnitude of such a life. But it is possible to describe how it was lived.
She was born in 1926, to Pearl and Percy Davis in Dillwyn, Virginia. At age 18 she met her future husband George Limperos, whom she married at 19 in January 1946. The couple moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where their daughter, Donna, was born in 1950. In 1963 they moved to a Wilmington suburb, and in 1965 she and her husband welcomed their son, Kevin.
In 2005, Winnie and George moved to Cokesbury Village, where she would live for the remainder of her life. Her husband passed away in 2015. Her years at Cokesbury were a time of deep caring and belonging. She saw what needed doing and did it, even when it was difficult or required sacrifice.
She formed a daily coffee-and-cookie gathering—soon becoming known as the “cookie lady”—bringing residents together at 10 a.m. each weekday. She made a point of ensuring that everyone was welcome and included. On one occasion, a young woman visited with her mother during the coffee gathering. Winnie noticed her sitting alone, approached her, and invited her to have some cookies. The young woman, accustomed to being overlooked at social events due to her disabilities, was hesitant at first but eventually joined in. Her mother later expressed deep gratitude for Winnie’s attention and kindness.
She took the time to know people personally: what mattered to them, what troubled them, and how to help. Over the years, she championed, befriended, and consoled many as they faced illness, loss, and the challenges of aging. She became widely known and deeply regarded for her compassion, attentiveness, and quiet constancy. Her presence touched many residents and staff, who spoke often and openly of how much she meant to them and how deeply she was loved. She was human and she was not perfect. But she knew how to care deeply about others, and she never shied away from doing what she felt was the right thing.
Her family made sure she knew what she had meant to them and to others.
She is survived by her daughter Donna Ralston (Tom) and son Kevin, grandchildren Allison (Matthew McCoy) and Matthew Ralston, and two great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks what Winnie herself would have wanted: that we treat one another with compassion and understanding, help and be there for each other, and leave the world a better place.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service and reception at 2:30PM on Friday February 20, 2026 at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin. Interment will be private.
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