Winifred Tober Frelich

1925 - 2022

Winifred Tober Frelich (April 13, 1925 – April 28, 2022) died peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Wini, who grew up in St. Louis, was the youngest and last survivor of the five children of Anna Saifer Tober and Abraham Ellsworth Mountain Tober. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, Bennett Edward Frelich, and her adored daughter Joan Ellen Frelich (the late James Fee), who died almost a year before. She is survived by three loving children: Susan Katherine Frelich Appleton (Robert O. Appleton, Jr.), Alan Edward Frelich, and Anne Shelly Frelich (Stephen P. Whitman); five treasured grandchildren: Jesse Appleton (Alyson Appleton), Seth Appleton (Brooke Appleton), Alexander Fee (Casey Fee), Molly Fee (Richard Doerr), and Jack Frelich-Sobel; and six amazing great-grandchildren: Jamie Fee, Bennett Appleton, Devin Fee, Roan Doerr, Catherine Appleton, and Daniel Appleton. 

A graduate of Mary Institute (1942) and Washington University (1947), Wini made her family the center of her life—both younger generations (who called her “Weo”) and older ones, as well as her many cousins and other relatives. Wini’s beauty, style, and infectious sense of humor all stood out. She loved her home, but under protest she traveled widely and always confessed afterwards that she enjoyed it.  She played tennis and mahjong, hosted parties and holiday gatherings, and relished a good meal even while frequently following a diet.

She was blessed to have become a special friend to Irwin “Chic” Mohr, who predeceased her. She also valued all those who helped her in recent times, including Lisa Busalaki, Togor Maipandi, Eden Dadi, Michael Aiello, Macy Bluestein, and Sahra Jamal.

Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Washington University, MSC 1082-414-2555, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130-9989 or to Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141 or to the charity of the donor's choice.