April 28, 1937 - Aug. 31, 2012
Edwina Margaret-Rose Winnie Connell was born in Parkstone, Dorset, England, on April 28, 1937 and died on August 31, 2012. Winnie lived her life with spunk and vigor even during that final year after she was diagnosed with cancer.
At age 22, Winnie came to the United States to be a nanny for the Howard family that lived in Southern California. She remained close to the Howards and her young charges - Lisa, Melinda and Michael - throughout her life. She married Lon Davis in 1962 and the couple worked on a ranch in Nevada. Two children were born of that marriage, daughter, Denine and son, Brian. In 1999, Winnie married her second husband, Ross Connell, with whom she spent the last 14 years of her life.
In Oregon, Winnie's first job was at Stockman's Saddlery owned by Shirley Andre. The two women became best friends, a friendship that was to last for 46 years. Winnie's next job took her to Prineville, where she worked on the cut line for Clear Pine Molding for 25 years. After that she loaded cargo into airliners at the Redmond Airport, modeled clothes for Gaylord's, and finally wrapped up her working career at Eagle Crest Resort where she was for 17 years before taking retirement.
Winnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Denine Davis, her father and mother, Frank and Vera Reeks, and her brother, Reynold Reeks. She is survived by her husband, Ross Connell, her son, Brian Davis, her brothers, Teddy Reeks of Australia and Peter Reeks of Parkstone, England.
A memorial event celebrating the life of Edwina Reeks-Davis-Connell will be held Sunday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eagle Crest Resort Convention Center. The family requests your gifts or donations go to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.
Please visit the online registry for the family at www.niswonger-reynolds.com
