On Tuesday evening, January 7th, 2025, we said goodbye to our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Winnifred "Winnie" Roland. She is finally reunited with her first and only love, her late husband Albert "Pete" Roland, who passed in 1996.

Together, Winnie and Pete built a life filled with love and adventure. They raised their three daughters—Deborah Bruce (Rick Bruce), Linda Parsons, and Patricia Braun (Neil Braun)—in their home on 4th Line in Oakville, where they created a warm and welcoming environment for family and friends. Summers were spent at the family cottages, first on Three Mile Lake near Windermere and later on Kawagama Lake in Dorset. These were cherished places where lifelong memories were made: fishing, swimming, and laughing around the campfire. Winnie and Pete's legacy of love and family will live on through the generations.

She will forever be remembered by her grandchildren: James Willar (Brenda Torrens), Tanya Maiurro, John Parsons (Jenni Moore), Nick Maiurro, Amy Parsons (Chris Clark), Laurel Braun (Daniel Inglot), Case Braun, and Dylan Braun. She is also missed by her two great-grandchildren, Kyle Willar and Bryker Maiurro. She is survived by her two sisters, Violet McNaughton (George McNaughton) and Marie Masters (Joe Masters).

Born on March 11th, 1934, Winnie was raised in Oakville, Ontario, as one of nine children born to Caroline and Fred Best: Irene Simms, Sylvia Crew, Marie Masters, Violet McNaughton, Colleen Dickinson, Edna Stevens, Ken Best, and Audrey Best. She and her siblings attended a one-room schoolhouse on Sixth Line, a hallmark of simpler times.

Winnie was a talented, self-trained artist and often signed her work with her unique initials, "WAR." An explorer at heart, her travels took her across the globe—to Hawaii, the Caribbean, France, and even the standing stones of Stonehenge (before it was restricted to visitors). Despite her elegance and grace, Winnie had a mischievous sense of humor, relishing moments like ordering a "Sex on the Beach" while on vacation.

She was happiest in the outdoors, surrounded by the laughter of her family at the cottages she and Pete so lovingly built. Winnie also loved the occasional trip to the casino and was possibly The Shopping Network's best customer (as evidenced by her impressive stack of receipts). Her cabbage rolls were legendary, a skill she lovingly passed on to her kids and grandkids—though none could quite match hers.

Winnie's love for her family was her defining quality. She never missed a birthday or special occasion, taking care of all of us at one point or another with understanding, compassion, and grace.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wyndham Manor for their exceptional care of Winnie in her later years. A special thank you to Mayank and Jean, who brightened her days with their kindness and compassion.

Family visitation will be held on Friday, January 10th, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville (one block east of Kerr Street). Public visitation will follow at the same location from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm. A private family interment will take place at St. Jude's Cemetery.