Obituaries
Noreen Wint, 92
March 16, 2024
Noreen Wint completed her 92 year journey through this world on St. Patricks Day Eve, March 16, 2024. And what a trip it was!
Noreen was born on a farm in Dunnamaggin, County Kilkenny in the Republic of Ireland. Her parents, Ned and Nora Egan, raised 12 children on that farm. Noreen was the eleventh child. The Egans were proud Irish patriots. Ned had recently served as an intelligence officer in the War for Irish Independence, and her Uncle Jim gave his life for his country in the Irish Civil War.
They lived at a crossroads in a house that was almost 300 years old. The house was once a wayfarers inn, but her parents bought it in 1916. Along with her brothers and sisters, she scampered over the fields, making daisy chains and trying to swim in the little Glory River nearby. Life was simple — they had no electricity or running water, but out in the country, nobody did at the time. Noreen later wrote a book about her life in Ireland, “The Girl from the House of Yellow Rooms.” This book was accepted by the Harvard’s Shlesinger Library collection on the American immigrant experience, which made Noreen very proud.
She and her sister Peggy had no prospects back then, so they decided to emigrate to London. Her sister Nelly was a nurse during the war, and they planned to stay with her in the city. She stayed almost five years, and she and Peggy saw the world.
In London, she met a US Air Force Lieutenant who would eventually become her husband and the love of her life, Frank Wint.
In 1956 Noreen and her sister emigrated to the United States, living in New York City with their Uncle Martin and his family for almost two years. In New York, Noreen reunited with Frank.
They married, moved to Lancaster PA and settled down as a family, having her sons Gary and Frank Jr., and her daughter Susan. Life went by as her children grew up, but tragedy came when her younger son Frank was diagnosed with cancer at age 4. He lived his life bravely, but died at age 17 1/2. Her beloved husband Frank also died from cancer in 2011. These were terrible times, but one had to go on, and they did. She had six grandchildren; Milo, Nathan, Jack, Erin, Lucas, and Egan.
Noreen lived every day of her life to the fullest, and gave back so much to her community and her family. She worked to improve the world and the lives of others in ways big. and small.
After the death of her son, she and Frank established a fund at Lampeter Strasburg High School to provide a scholarship to two graduating seniors who had overcome challenges and demonstrated strength of character. They also established an annual lecture in Frank Jr’s memory at Harvard Medical School to teach doctors from around the world the latest advances in facial reconstructive surgery.
After traveling to Nepal in 1989, Noreen and Frank sponsored their Sherpa Rinji Lama and his wife Smiley to come to America and become citizens. This was a determined effort that took six years.
Noreen loved the outdoors, and she and Frank worked with the Nature Conservancy to protect Lancaster County’s natural beauty. They secured conservation easements and land donations, including a privately owned parcel of land on Tucquan Creek, ensuring public access for future generations for a continuous trail all the way to the Susquehanna River. She also volunteered at the inpatient mental health department at Lancaster General Hospital and helped establish the first hospice care center in Lancaster.
Noreen was force of nature, an eternally optimist and positive force who worked tirelessly to support her friends and family. She was a friend to all, from all walks of life, who looked for and found good in everyone. She was the rock of her family, a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother and friend. She was always kind and caring, intelligent and self-taught. She was an amazing gardener — photos of her gardens appeared in national magazines and Hallmark cards and calendars. She had an adventurous spirit and loved the outdoors. She and Frank travelled the world, from Belize to Nepal. They climbed Mount Washington five times, and they spent many days fly fishing the waters of Lancaster and Colorado.
Her most cherished roles were wife, mother, and grandmother. She gave her unhesitating support to the hopes and dreams of her family and friends, and her one consistent piece of advice was “Follow your Heart.” The world was brightened by her presence for 92 years, and is diminished by her passing.
Noreen was preceded in death by her mother Nora Egan, her father Ned Egan; her sisters Mary, Brigid, Nelly, Peggy, and Bernadette; her brothers Jack, James, Alec, Patrick, and Dennis; her son Frank, and her husband Frank. She is survived by her daughter Susan, her son Gary and his wife Alice, her brother Ned, her grandchildren Nathan, Milo, Jack, Erin, Lucas, and Egan; and Rinji and Smiley Lama.
All are invited to a celebration of her life at 11 am on March 30, 2024 at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street PA 17584. There will be an opportunity to share a thought or words about Noreen. Click on link below to watch the service via livestream. Please make donations in Noreen’s memory to Collier Hospice, 3210 Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Rodge, CO 80033 or to the Colorado Talking Book Library, 180 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80226.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
June 04, 2024
To the Wint Family, I never actually met your mother Noreen. Our paths crossed in December of 2000 when Noreen took the time to write me a handwritten note on the passing of my daughter Bridgid Noreen Fife. It was the most heartfelt, kindest, powerful card I had recieved during my intense grief of losing my child. Noreen admitted that she had never written a total stranger before but the name Bridgid Noreen had caught her eye as she read the obituaries. We had a written correspondence for a time and it meant so much to me. I learned about the utter devestation of losing her son Frank Jr. and her sister Brigid in Ireland at a young age. She gave me such a gift. And reading her obituary I am in just in awe of what a wonderful force of good she was in this world. Love to you all as you grieve your dear mother. She holds a special place in my heart.
Sincerely, Amanda Fowler (Fife)
May 25, 2024
Dear Gary, Susan, Alice and all the family. I was so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. She was a remarkable lady, full of kindness and joy. She touched so many with her positivity and spirit. I felt honoured to spend time with her both in Ireland and in the States. She is reunited now with her beloved Frank and of course Frank Junior. Heaven is a brighter place since her joining. Sincere condolences to you all.
Mary Elizabeth Brett Ryan.
April 03, 2024
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Wint family. I was a classmate of Susan’s and in Scouts with Frank. My parents (Carl and Yvonne Beck) always enjoyed talking all things gardening with your mother. She graciously shared some of her flowers, and I believe my dad made her a bird house for the garden. I remember her as being full of life with a great smile. I am sorry that I was out of town for the memorial service, but please know that I hold all of you in my heart.
Sincerly,
Joel Beck
April 02, 2024
My condolences to Gary and Susan and the entire Wint family. I was a classmate of Frank, Jr as well as a neighbor who lived in Media Heights. Frank and I both had VW bugs we drove to L-S. Mine was light blue and his was white. I thought I had a lead foot but Frank had me beat and often my knuckles match the color of his bug. I have many fond memories of the parties we had back in the 80’s. It looks like Noreen lived a long life and was a bright light for many.
Danielle Douple Chamberlain
March 30, 2024
I’m writing on behalf of my Mother, Eileen Seton. Our family is truly saddened by the loss of Noreen. My mother used to say that when she met Noreen, they were the only two Irish people in Lancaster. She has fond memories of good times spent together, whether it was just visiting or lunch. My mother remembers talking to Noreen several times a week until she moved to Colorado, and then still maintained contact. She says Noreen was her best friend in those days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn her loss. Carol Seton
March 30, 2024
Noreen was a bright light and inspiration to everyone who was fortunate to have her in their lives. In the same way that she was able to grow and cultivate beautiful wildflower gardens, she created lasting friendships throughout her life. During a visit to Ireland, she suggested that I visit her elderly Aunt and her brother Ned and his wife while in Kilkenny. My connections with her kin while there was magical. I came back with hugs and blessings from those who missed her. Our world today is far dimmer now that she has passed from our lives here on earth. I am sure that her children and all who knew Noreen will smile when remembering her. My sincere sympathy goes out to Gary, Susan and her extended family.
Mary Ann Heltshe-Steinhauer
March 30, 2024
Sincere Sympathy to Gary, Susan and families on the death of your beloved mother ‘Dear Nonie’. We have lovely memories of happy times spent together in Ireland and in Pennsylvania. She was a fun loving person to spend time with and we will remember her always. Rest in peace Nonie. Your loving cousins Bridget and Helen Moroney.
March 29, 2024
Noreen will be greatly missed! I have very fond memories of spending time in her home making Christmas wreaths each year! She was a always a wonderful hostess and I will cherish the memories that I have of her. She was a treasured friend and will be greatly missed!
Tuppen Young
March 28, 2024
Our sincere condolences to the Wint family on the loss of Noreen. She was a wonderful woman. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jane and Micael Klein
March 28, 2024
To Gary,Susan and extended Wint family our sincere sympathy on the death of your mum and our aunt Nonie. She had a great long life well lived and we all always looked forward to her visits back home to Kilkenny. she always liked to recall the old days of her youth in Baurscoobe and never forgot her roots, her memory was perfect right up to the end. Hope everything goes off OK and Nonie gets a great send-off, from all the Egan family in Cloncunny and UK.
March 26, 2024
Sincere condolences to Gary, Susan & extended Wint family on the sad passing of our much loved cousin Noreen(Nonie). Nonie lived life to the full with her late husband Frank RIP. She was so proud of her children & grandchildren & was broken hearted to lose her dear son Frank Junior at a young age. She was so proud of her Irish heritage & never forgot her native place:Baurscoob, Co. Kilkenny. Nonie was an inspiration to all with her contagious’joie de vivre’.She will be sorely missed by all her family & many friends. May her gentle, jolly soul Rest in Eternal peace in the arms of the Angels & her husband Frank & son Frank Junior 🙏💕☘️☘️
Teckie, Adrian, Ronan, Roisin Brett & extended family. Mullinahone, Ireland.
March 24, 2024
Sadly Jerre and I will not be back in Lancaster intime for Noreens celebration of life and “what a life it was.” She was an inspiration to everyone. We came to know them through the Lancaster Ski Club when all our children were young and spent many years having fun together. When Jerre and I traveled to Ireland we spent some time with her brother Ned. Ned took us to his local small town pub for a special evening of Irish songs and Guiness Beer. That was and experience we’ll never forget! We were happy for Frank and Noreen when they made the move to Colorado and the sametime know our friendship would change but fondness for them would remain the same. Mary and Jerre Pietsch
March 24, 2024
My condolences. I was a neighborhood friend of Frank Jr. and spent many times in Noreen’s home. She was always great and I remember the garden! – Carl Sutter
March 24, 2024
My sympathy to your family! Noreen was my inspiration as we developed our garden-even bringing Hallmark to take photos and sharing many of her plants! Daughter Jill always encouraged Frank Jr. as they ran together on the cross country team! Yvonne Beck
March 24, 2024
Tears in my eyes and joy in my heart , knowing you are now in your Heavenly home . Love Essie
- Services
- Saturday, March 30, 2024
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
