Kathleen "Kathy" (Fortinper) Winnington, age 70, of New Castle, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1st, 2025.

Born on March 11, 1955, in Wilmington, DE, Kathy was the beloved middle child of Charles D. Fortinper, Sr. and Margaret C. Fortinper, both of whom predeceased her, along with her brother Dominick J. Fortinper.

Kathy was raised in a small, close-knit Italian Catholic family on the family farm, where childhood adventures with her brothers often included playful pranks and daredevil stunts—like leaping from the barn loft without warning. She was known for her spirited energy and big heart from the very beginning.

She attended Holy Spirit School and proudly graduated with the first class of St. Mark's High School. Kathy began studying nursing at the University of Delaware before leaving to marry her childhood sweetheart, Francis J. Winnington. Though they later parted ways, together they welcomed a daughter, Kimberly Marie Winnington, the absolute light of Kathy's life. Her devotion as a mother was unmatched—she never missed a game, recital, or class trip, and her home was always open for sleepovers and laughter.

Kathy began her career as a bank teller and eventually became the Manager of First National Bank. Later, she founded and ran Busy Bee's Daycare, allowing her to stay close to her daughter. When Kimberly grew older, Kathy returned to work in retail and banking, including as Manager of Dots and later at Sovereign Bank.

A major chapter of Kathy's life began with a diagnosis of sarcoma. In true form, she faced the disease with courage, enduring high-dose chemotherapy and surviving against steep odds. Though the treatment left her with lasting health challenges, including the eventual loss of her leg, she met every trial with strength, dignity, and resilience.

Kathy's compassion extended to all living beings, especially animals. She helped her daughter raise 21 puppies for The Seeing Eye, beaming with pride as they graduated to guide those with visual impairments. She also devoted herself to the care of a feral cat colony, working with local groups to trap, sterilize, vaccinate, and release homeless cats—a testament to her deeply nurturing spirit.

Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kimberly Winnington (Blaine Eres); her brother, Charles D. Fortinper (Katherine Inge); nieces, Renee Fortinper (Lauren Fortinper) and Vicki Fortinper; as well as extended family, dear friends, and her cherished pets.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 9th, at Mealey Funeral Homes, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Friends and family are invited to call from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Kathy's name to The Seeing Eye, P.O. Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963 or online at www.seeingeye.org.

Kathy's vibrant spirit, strength, and deep love will live on in all who knew her.