Edwinna (Winnie) Direnzo

Edwinna (Winnie) S. DiRenzo, 86, of Delran, New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, June 20th, 2024. She was born to Edwin and Helen Fish on Monday, March 21st, 1938, at West Jersey Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank A. DiRenzo, and her son, Frank A. DiRenzo Jr.

Winnie is survived by 2 sisters, Helen (Dominic) Delia and Jennifer (Tony) Hickl; her daughter, Coleen (John) Larrick; and her grandchildren, Jessica (Kyle) Mell, Ashley (Josh) Nalley, and Justin (Paige) Larrick. In addition to her grandchildren, she has 6 great-grandchildren: Kylie, Aubree, Brian, Amara, Lyrah and Coleson. Winnie was deeply loved by her daughter and family, and she loved them back just as deeply.

When describing Winnie, several words come to mind, one of which is fashionista. She was an avid collector of all things designer and even went as far as naming several of her beloved dogs after famous designers. Coco Chanel and Louis Vuitton are just a couple of examples. You could always expect her to be sporting a beautiful handbag or clutch, or to be looking for the next addition. Complementing her designer tastes, she never had a bad hair day (even if she thought she did), and she could dress with the best.

Even well into her 80s, Winnie was a firecracker like no other. A common joke held amongst the family was that you could call Winnie on a Friday evening and expect her to say, "I'm at the bar with my friends, can I call you later?". Youth and vigor surrounded Winnie for all her days, and she always had something to keep her busy. A prime example of this is the fact that she refused to retire from work until she was 84 years old. She was a shining example of work ethic for her family.

Keeping in line with her firecracker ways, Winnie was also one never to be trifled with. She would tell you exactly what she thought of you, whether you liked it or not. Her grandchildren learned this best early when being told to keep their elbows off the kitchen table or by learning the consequences of squeezing a certain aloe plant (it was Ashley). They always knew who the boss was when they visited, and they loved her even more for it.  Winnie was certainly not a stickler of all things, and when love was needed, she never had a problem with doling it out, generously at that.

Speaking of love, Winnie showed a steadfast and unending compassion for all of God's creatures. Whether they had wings, walked on four legs, were fuzzy or bald, or scurried or scampered, Winnie was a friend to all animals. She frequently showed this friendship and love by accepting them into her home. Throughout her life, she was an avid supporter of the ASPCA and adopted, cared for, and loved dozens of helpless animals. She leaves behind Louis, Winston, Missy and Gracie, the African Gray. They will be loved and cared for by the family members whom she has entrusted with their care.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to one of Winnie's close friends, Sharon Wolf. Sharon provided innumerable hours of support to Winnie, her family and her beloved animals. Words cannot appropriately express the gratitude the family holds for Sharon and all she has selflessly done.

The same holds true for Winnie's neighbor, Paul Sherlock. The family thanks you so very much for all you have done.

A celebration of life for Winnie will be held on a date to be determined at the Delran, NJ VFW.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to your local animal shelter in Winnie's memory.