Wanda Ringel

Wanda Ringel
1933-2025
Wanda (Wojnarowski) Ringel, age 92, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025 surrounded by her devoted husband, daughters and caregivers.
Born on July 10, 1933, the cherished daughter of the late Mary and Joseph Wojnarowski, Wanda was raised in a proud Polish household in Bridgeport, CT.
A graduate of Harding High School, Class of 1950, Wanda was a natural leader-serving as president of the Junior Red Cross and participating in the Scholarship, Leadership, and Future Teachers organization. She was also a cheerleader-a sign of her spirited nature.
She continued her education at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Delta sorority. She graduated in 1955 with a degree in textile design, and began her career, and love for New York City. Wanda's professional life as a textile designer spanned over five decades. She brought her unique creative vision to companies such as Reliable Fabrics, Cranston Print Works, Reltex Fabrics, and Marcus Brothers, eventually forming her own consulting business. She loved her career, and had the opportunity to work with icons, including Andy Warhol. Her work was celebrated in the fashion industry, with features in The New York Times and Women's Wear Daily, which recognized her as a leading voice in textile design.
In 1964, Wanda married the love of her life, Gerald Herbert Ringel, "Jerry" of Fairfield, at St. Ambrose Church in Bridgeport. At their wedding, her beloved uncle, Frank Wojnarowski-the famed "Polka King"-performed his well-known song, Je Je Boat, a moment of joy still fondly remembered by the family.
Wanda was a true force of nature, known for her drive, spunk, and endless energy. She was extremely talented and creative. She had impeccable taste in color, art and design, and her home was always a reflection of her vibrant spirit.
A longtime member of the Patterson Club, she enjoyed socializing over dinners with their many dear friends. Her generosity knew no bounds: she supported St. Pius X Church by creating hand painted pieces for their annual art sale, and contributed regularly to the Christian Children's Fund in Africa and the ASPCA.
Wanda loved spending time with her family at their cherished Fairfield Beach cottage and ski home in Quechee, VT. She found great joy in entertaining, supporting her husband in their family business, Switzer's Pharmacy, and caring for others.
Wanda was a devoted daughter who cared for her mother into her 90s; a wife who adored her husband; a mother who proudly raised her daughters to be career women; a loving grandmother "Wannie" who especially enjoyed having grandchildren sleepovers at the beach; and, a loyal, selfless and giving friend who helped many in need.
Wanda's love, talent, and kindness left a lasting mark on everyone she met. She will be missed deeply but remembered always for the amazing woman she was.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband, Jerry of 61 years; her daughters, Ellen Boyle and her husband Edward and Paula Martin and her husband Sean; her treasured grandsons, Connor Boyle and Craig Martin; and, granddaughter Ryan Boyle.
Friends are invited to greet her family on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road in Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Church. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Wanda's memory to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.