Obituary of Winifred M Bader

Gone Dancing……

Winifred Mary (Gledhill) Bader passed away peacefully of natural causes Friday, January 14, 2022. Her tenacity and diligently proper self-care brought her to the ripe age of 101. In the years approaching her advanced age, she often mentioned having to make new and younger friends.

Wynn was born September 5, 1920, in Halifax, Yorkshire, England to Joseph and Flora Gledhill. As an only child, her family emigrated to the United States in 1928 where they found residency in Rhode Island.  There she graduated from Hope High and went to work for R.I. Hospital National Bank. With a desire to investigate other life options, Wynn relocated to Washington DC where she acquired a secretary position with the Office of Strategic Services, now known as the CIA. She then pursued another move to Pasadena, California and took on other banking positions.

In 1947, Wynn married Stanley Marsden, after many years of writing to each other as pen pals. They had two daughters, Sheila and Melena and settled in Lakewood, Washington to raise their family. Wynn was active with Dotha McCormick Orthopedic Guild, Business and Professional Women in Lakewood, and a member of St Mary’s Episcopal Church. Wynn loved to dance and always wanted to be a showgirl dancer. A little on the shy side, she decided to settle for dancing with her husband and together they taught dance lessons for six weeks on the cruise ship, Mariposa in 1964. Wynn later met Duane Flagg, her second husband, who unfortunately passed away in 1973 after a short two-year marriage. Her dancing then took her to meet the love of her life, Walter Bader, and they tied the knot in 1978.  Wynn retired from banking in 1983. She and Walt loved to travel and they took many trips around the world including 35 cruises. Wynn had many talents and interests. She joined several dance clubs, enjoyed sewing, playing Bridge and Pinochle, reading, and of course dancing and music! Wynn and Walt were members of Christ Lutheran Church where they made several friends and Wynn celebrated her 90th and 100th birthdays there.

Wynn is survived by her husband, Walt, of 43 years, two daughters, Sheila Bennett (Dave) and Melena Marsden, four stepchildren, Darla, Wayne, Lynn and Cindy Claggett (Dave), four grandchildren, Carissa  Thomas (Mark), Brian, Michael, and Blake, five step grandchildren, Rachel (Tim), Cristen (Nick), Geoffrey (Kellee), Danielle, Jessica and David Jr., 13 great grandchildren, one niece, Lynn Parra(Victor) and one nephew, Steve Marsden (Chris).

Her sweet disposition left people she met adoring her, and she will be greatly missed! With her full life now neatly complete she will continue dancing as we celebrate her life at Christ Lutheran Church on February 26, 2022 at 1pm. Memorial gifts can be made to Christ Lutheran Church.