Mary Winder

Mary Winder
June 5, 1927 - July 21, 2023
Mary Studebaker Winder died peacefully on July 21, 2023 in Woodbridge, CT with her family at her side. Mary was born on June 5, 1927 in South Bend, IN to Lillian Bartlett Studebaker and John Mohler Studebaker III. Her great-grandfather was one of the founders of the Studebaker Manufacturing Company. She attended Ethel Walker School, graduated from Miss Hewitt's Classes in New York and was married in 1945 to Naval Officer Frank Dodd Winder. The family moved to an historic house in Rockfall, CT, which they restored, and then to New Haven, where Mary attended the Yale School of Art (1957) while Frank attended Yale School of Architecture. An accomplished artist, Mary's work was exhibited in art shows across CT.
While she was quite a swimmer and equestrian in her early years, her sporting interests turned to skiing and sailing with her family and friends. Their first sailing adventures began in the late 1950s, aboard Arabella, followed by the building of Katrinka, launched in 1970, which they raced and cruised with their offspring until 1984. Mary sailed in 10 Newport Bermuda races during these years, when she served both as a crew member and gourmet cook. Mary and Frank enjoyed traveling together with friends, particularly with Frank's Yale college roommates and their spouses. She was the last surviving member of this group fondly known as the "roomies". Mary and Frank built a house in Peru, Vermont in 1968, which remains a family gathering place for the Winder clan.
Mary is survived by a daughter, Joy Winder Ford (Brin), and three sons David Bartlett Winder (Carolyn), Peter Studebaker Winder (Patricia) and John Studebaker Winder (Tori). She also leaves six grandchildren: Brinley, Jenny, Bow, Alden, Lily and Clara; and eight great-grandchildren, as well as nephews and nieces. Mary was predeceased by her husband Frank in 2000, a sister Lillian Studebaker Hardy in 2015 and a granddaughter Stirling Winder in 2012.
Per Mary's wishes, there will be no service, although there may be a gathering in her honor at a later date. Gifts in her memory may be forwarded to the Creative Arts Workshop, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, or the Frank Winder Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.