Winifred E. Tate died on Monday, Nov. 8 at home on Oak Tree Lane in Vineyard Haven, with her daughter Kathy (Kate) at her side. She was 99 and ready to join her loved ones who predeceased her.

Born March 3, 1922 in Jersey City, N.J., she was the third child of John and Winifred Furey. She graduated from Holy Family Academy in 1940. During World War II, she worked for Western Union Telegraph Company in New York city.

In 1951, she met Walter Phelps Tate Jr. on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. They married on Nov. 11, 1952 and moved to Brooklyn Heights. In 1956, they relocated to Haddonfield, N.J., and their daughter Kathryn was born in February 1957. They settled in Malvern, Pa. in 1967. Winifred loved her life in their new home and was devoted to her family.

She had a green thumb, enjoyed gardening and loved fresh flowers in the house. She was a member of the Anthony Wayne Women’s Auxiliary branch of the Paoli Memorial Hospital from 1968 to 2010. She volunteered in the library at Villa Maria Academy from 1968 through 1975, when her daughter graduated from the school.

Winifred began coming to the Vineyard in 1977. After Walter died on June 26, 2010, she moved to the Island to live with her daughter and son in law, Bob Gothard, at their home in Vineyard Haven. She loved sitting in the sun, walking, reading and riding all over the Island, often in Bob’s powder blue 1964 Ford Galaxie convertible.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Tate Gothard, and her husband Robert Gothard, along with his two children and their families. She is also survived by six nephews.

Her family wishes to thank their friends, who made her last decade on the Island so meaningful and joyous. Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard provided remarkable care in her final days.

Donations can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Center For Living. Winifred was a program participant there. Her family thanks the staff, who lovingly gave her many hours of fun and enjoyment.