KINGFIELD — Katherine Mary Ferris Winter, 82, of Kingfield passed away Oct. 28, 2011.

She was born in Madison Dec. 8, 1928, the daughter of Rose Hayek and George Ferris and the youngest of her siblings, Joe, Peter, Mike, Tom, Charlie, John and Alma. She graduated from Madison High School and later spent four years in the U.S. Navy, an experience she loved and for which she was very proud. Katherine spent the next few years working as a telephone operator before marrying Sumner Winter in 1957. For 27 years, they enjoyed their life together, raising their children and having their home be the focus for many of life’s celebrations and family milestones.

Katherine found peace and joy with her family, her many friends, her beautiful garden, and her home which she dearly loved. She had a terrific sense of humor, and she loved to have fun, travel and shop. She took immense pride in her Lebanese heritage. An excellent cook, she introduced Lebanese food to many people in her circles over the years and was delighted to be able to teach others her craft and have her recipes become staples in her friends’ and families’ kitchens. She loved all types of music and instilled that love in her children. An avid monopoly player, Katherine taught her family and many grandchildren how to play and play well. She also adored Larry King.

Katherine is survived by her son, John Winter; daughters, Rose Winter and partner, Steve Sitz, Mary Cuttler and husband, David, Kelly Pickering and husband, Jack, Greta Winter and husband, Del Haakenson, and her step-daughter, Cathy Heald and husband, Allyn; her grandchildren, Joey, Bernadette and husband, Eric, Anne, Abbey, Matt, Ben, Leslie, Melanie, John Sumner, Nathan, Lindsey, Greg, Scott and Zoë; her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Makayla, Sophia, Olivia, Kamryn, Alyssa and Rachel. Also surviving is her sister, Alma of Connecticut; several nieces and nephews; her sisters-in-law, Virginia Ferris, Beverly Ferris and Jean Ferris; her special cousin, Tony Hayek; and many friends.

Katherine was predeceased by her six brothers; and her husband, Sumner, whom she sadly lost in 1984.

The family wishes to thank the many people who have helped care for Katherine over the past years, including Mary, Lynnette and Karen from Androscoggin Home Health, her overnight companions Pat, Kay and granddaughter Lindsey, and the wonderful staff members at Maplecrest Rehabilitation and Living Center and Beacon Hospice. Even at her most ill moments, Katherine showed spunk and charm, the endearing qualities so appreciated by all those in her midst. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

Instead of flowers or donations, in Katherine’s memory you may wish to plant something really fun in your garden or yard, play a great song or game, sit outside on your porch on a nice day, try out a new recipe and share it, or give your loved ones a big hug.

Condolences may be sent to the Winter family at P.O. Box 275, Kingfield, Maine 04947.

A Memorial Visitation was held at Giberson Funeral Home in Madison Sunday, Oct. 28, 2011.

A private Catholic graveside service will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery at a later date.