Winifred P. Primo
Born March 28, 1920
Winifred P. Primo, age 93, of Hockessin, DE, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2013.
Winifred Thompson Primo was born March 28, 1920, in the Bahama Islands; soon after, she moved with her family to Florida where she lived for the next two decades.
Mrs. Primo graduated as class valedictorian from Carver High School, Delray Beach, Florida. She received a BA degree with highest honors from St. Augustine’s College, North Carolina with graduate work at Columbia University, Wayne State University, and the National College of Education. Mrs. Primo also attended the University of Delaware’s Academy of Lifelong Learning.
While married to the late Rt. Rev. Quintin E. Primo, Jr., Mrs. Primo lived in several communities around the country. Upon her husband’s calling in 1964 to become the vicar and later rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Mrs. Primo and her family moved to Wilmington. After being home with her children while they were growing up, Mrs. Primo worked in Wilmington for the Employment Security Commission. They left for Detroit in 1969 where the Primos served another St. Matthew’s Church. Fr. Primo was then called to be Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Chicago in 1972. Mrs. Primo taught for many years at Washington Elementary School, Harvey, Illinois.
After retirement in 1985, the Primos returned to Wilmington for Bishop Primo’s service as Interim Bishop of the Diocese of Delaware.
Mrs. Primo’s volunteer work included being a board member at St. Michael’s Day Nursery, Layton Home and the YWCA; a member of the AAUW’s Garden Club; school PTAs; a lector at The Cathedral Church of St. John’s; and a mentor at Heritage School. Mrs. Primo is most proud to have been associated with the Summer of Respect program at St. John’s. She was the Honorary Chair of the Quintin E. Primo, Jr. Lecture Series. Mrs. Primo has received many awards for her volunteer work including recognition from the Diocesan Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS), Rochester, NY, and the Amelia Layton Founder’s Award, Wilmington, DE.
Winifred is pre-deceased by her loving husband, The Rt. Rev. Quintin E. Primo, Jr., her baby daughter, Olivia Wilhemina Primo, who died shortly after birth, and her sister-in-law, Margaret Priscilla Ernestine Primo.
Winifred leaves behind her: daughter, Cynthia Primo Martin, her husband, Joshua W. Martin III, granddaughter, Lori Heather Mitchell, her husband, Kenneth, great granddaughter, Carter Isabella Mitchell, step grandchildren, Alexis and Victoria Martin; son, Quintin E. Primo III, his wife, Diane and their children, Franchesca Simone, Quintin E. IV and Reid Preston; daughter, Susan Primo Davis, her husband, Roosevelt Davis and their children, Gabrielle Louise and Thomas Quintin. Winnie also leaves her relatives on both the Primo and Thompson sides, and, her many dear friends in all communities where she has lived.
Friends may call from 6 pm until 8 pm on Friday evening, December 13, 2013 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at the Episcopal Church of Ss. Andrew and Matthew, 719 Shipley Street (Shipley Street at Eighth Street), Wilmington, DE, where a second visitation will be held from 9 am until 9:45 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew Organ Fund, at the address listed above.
Norwood J. Sr. and Alice Coleman
Cynthia and Josh,
It is with great sadness that we write is message and yet, it is also with great satisfaction that we write having had to privilege of knowing and loving your mother. As fellow members of the Cathedral Church of St. John, we got to know, love and share rides to church with Mrs. Primo. This gave us much pleasure and the opportunity to get to know your mother as the fine lady she was. We wish you peace and comfort at this time of loss and we know that your love and memories of your mother will sustain you and those your love forever.
Norwood and Alice Coleman
Chicago Sinfonietta
Our sincerest condolences to Quintin Primo III and family during this very difficult time. Mrs. Primo is a wonderful inspiration to us all – her commitment to education, volunteerism, and her community is truly moving.
It is our hope that fond memories and love of Mrs. Primo get you through these difficult times. Our thoughts will be with you all.
With love and light, your Chicago Sinfonietta family
Gretchen Haughey
Dear Quintin and Diane,
I am so sorry to hear the news about your mother. My condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking of you and the rest of the family during this difficult time. Sending you lots of love.
Stay strong, love does conquer all.
xoxo,
Gretchen Haughey
Anthony Kitchens
Sorry for your loss Quintin. May God bless you and your family and provide the strength to get you through this difficult time.
Norwood J. Sr. and Alice Coleman
Cynthia and Josh,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Mrs. Primo’s passing. Yet, we are comforted that she passed on to join her beloved Quintin and she has left the pains and struggles of this world behind. We take further comfort in having had the privilege of having her as a fellow member of the Cathedral Church of St. John in Wilmington and having been able to share rides to church with her when she was unable to drive. We learned so much about her during those rides to and from church including learning of shared acquaintances in Tallahassee as well as hearing some of the wonderful stories of her undergraduate years at St. Augustine College. We will miss her, and like you, we will keep our memories of her to bring peace and comfort to our lives. Thank you for sharing your mother with us.
Peace and love,
Norwood and Alice Coleman
Monica L Walker
Quintin and Diane,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
May your mother’s precious spirit be present within you eternally.
Love,
Monica L Walker
Jim & Judy Clark
Dear Quintin
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom yet we celebrate the wonderful legacy of a life well lived in the way she supported her church, her family and her community and in her embracing of continuous education. What a wonderful example. May you find strength and comfort in the peace that only God can provide and in the promise of seeing your mom again in heaven.
You, Diane and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Judy Clark
Keith Richardson
Quintin,
Only knowing you for a short while, it saddens me to hear of your loss. I pray that God keeps you and family strong during this time and know that your mother lived a long and prosperous life.
Ginny Clarke
Quintin and Diane, sincerest condolences for the loss of your Mother, a remarkable woman. While we didn’t have the plesure of knowing her, the fact that she gave birth to you, Quintin says it all. I’m sure you are comforted in knowing that she is at peace. Her light will shine through you and on all of those she touched. Julian and I are wishing you comfort during this difficult time. Sending love and blessings.
Ginny Clarke and Julian Mowatt
Marlene Saunders
Cynthia:
I know how sad you must be. But as you said she is with your father now, and you will see them both again.
Howard Sandifer
During your time of sorrow, may you know you are in God’s arms and our prayers.
Howard & Darlene Sandifer
Joanne Campanile
Quintin,
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the fond memories of your Mother get you through these challenging times. Know that she is in a better place.
Peace,
Joanne Campanile
Katherine Tyler Scott
Quinton,
What a beautiful example of love and grace in the life your Mother lived and the contributions she made to so many. We pray for comfort and peace for you and your family as you mourn her loss and celebrate the magnificent gifts she has left in who you and your family are. Please know that Fred and I will hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Katherine and Fred
Herman and Iris Bulls
Dear Quintin and Diane and Family: We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. What a blessing that you had her to love and cherish for so many years and that she leaves a wonderful legacy for your family. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Herman and Iris
Juanita Vanoy Jordan
Quintin:
So sorry to hear about your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Love and Light,
Juanita
Margaret and Leon Slocomb
WE SO ENJOYED SEEING YOUR MOTHER WITH US AT ST. BARNABAS
CHURCH WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO BE WITH US. PLEASE KNOW WE
SEND OUR LOVE, PRAYERS AND PEACE AS YOU ADJUST TO THIS
GREAT LOSS IN YOUR FAMILY.
PEACE AND BLESSINGS,
MARGARET AND LEON SLOCOMB
Margaret and Leon Slocomb
WE SO ENJOYED SHARING OUR CHURCH SERVICE WITH YOUR
MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS AT ST. BARNABAS CHURCH. OUR LOVE,
PRAYERS AND PEACE GO TO ALL OF YOU AS YOU ADJUST TO THIS
GREAT LOSS.
PEACE,
MARGARET AND LEON SLOCOMB
Margaret and Leon Slocomb
WE SO ENJOYED SEEING YOUR MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS ABLE TO ATTEND CHURCH SERVICE AT ST. BARNABAS WITH US. WE SEND OUR LOVE, PRAYERS AND PEACE TO ALL OF THE FAMILY AS YOU ADJUST TO THIS GREAT LOSS.
PEACE,
MARGARET AND LEON SLOCOMB
Sonia and Gilbert Sloan
Dear Cynthia :
We are so saddened to learn of the death of your mother. Her passing is not only a great loss to younand your family but to all of our community. We wish we could be with you, Josh and all your family to celebrate the life of this wonderful woman but we will be in Arizona. Just know our sympathy, our prayers and thoughts and love are with you and yours.
Love, Sonia and Gil
Frederick Quinn
Quintin & Diane and Primo Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Mrs. Primo was a remarkable LADY, her accomplishments were outstanding. If I can do anything, do not hesitate to call me. In this time of lost, reflect on all the amazing times she gave you, she gave ALL.0
“Life Is But A Stopping Place”
Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, A resting place along the road, to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys, different paths along the way. We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay.
Author Unknown
With Deepest Sympathy,
Frederick D. Quinn
Ernest Ferguson
Dear Quintin, Your mother lived a wonderful and long life. My condolences on her transition to another place. My prayers are with you and the family but be assured she is with God in a much better place. it is these times that we reflect on all the good times had by all. Take care during this grieving period and have a blessed day.
Ernest Ferguson
The Rev. Joan Testin
Dear Cynthia – I have just learned of Mrs. Primo’s death (I was never able to call her by any other name). I remember well the many Sundays that we drove together to the Cathedral, and the many stories I heard about her life with your father, and with you and your brother. Many of her sayings have flavored my sermons in these past few years, and I can still hear her voice in my heart. May your own memories be a blessing to you and your family.
Yours in Christ – Joan+
Barbara Tilton
Dear Cynthia and family,
I am deeply saddened to learn of your Mother’s passing. She was an exceptional woman and an inspiration to us all. She raised a wonderful daughter, who bears testimony to the wonderful parents she had. May you find strength in the coming days and comfort in the knowledge that your Mother’s spirit will always be with you.
Barbara Tilton
Marty and Cindy Alston
Quintin and Diane, Heather and Kenny –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve and reflect upon your loss. Your mother/grandmother clearly touched many lives in such a positive, educational and spiritual way.
Peace and love to your families,
Marty and Cindy Alston
Karen M. Ingrram
Dear Cynthia,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Mother.
During this time, my prayers are with you and your family
Sincerely,
Karen M. Iingram
Michael Pagliuco
Dear Quintin and Diane,
We are deeply saddened to learn of your mother’s passing. You and the entire Primo family are in our thoughts during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Love,
Michael and Karen
Bill and Roberta Torian
Dearest Cynthia, We are sharing your sorrow and understanding
your grief. You have lost the mother who loved you your whole
life and showed it always. The world has lost an exceptional lady.
We are grateful to have known her. We continue to pray for the
repose of her soul and that you will find comfort in God, family
and loving memories.
In sympathy, Bill and Roberta Torian
Elizabeth and Bernice Martin
Dear Cynthia, Josh and Family
We’re very sorry for your loss.
Mrs. Primo will live on in our hearts.
Elizabeth and Bernice
Paula Inniss
Cynthia, Quintin, Susan and Family:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mother Primo, may the Shalom of God be with you. When we think of her we have fond memories of love, compassion, family reunions, a fervency for God and elegance. While we cannot be with you at this time we are there in spirit and praying without ceasing.
“Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Linda, Norice and Paula
Vernon Williams
As you celebrate your Mother’s life, be grateful for the time and good she brought to your family and to her community of friends.
Paulette Foster Lammers
Dear Cynthia, Josh and family:
I too am sorry to hear of your mothers journey home to be with The Lord and reuniting with her husband. I remember meeting both of your wonderful parents during freshman year at the U of D.
Remember that your loss is Heavens gain. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Sorrowfully,
Paulette R. Foster Lammers
Kevin and Bonita Stewart
Our deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. May your fondest memories bring you joy and warm your heart.
Richard Gamble
Dear Quintin and the Primo Family:
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. You and your family have been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Richard, Melissa, and Lily Gamble
Paula Glover
Cynthia, Quintin & Susan
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your mom is now at rest. I will remember her always and the many visits we shared to the Cathedral Church of St. John. She spoke often of how much she looked forward to going to church and continued to go up until the very last. Her work here on earth is done and she is now with your dad.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be missed.
Love, Peace and Blessings
Paula Glover
Debra Faith,RN
I was very saddened to hear that Ms. Primo had left our presence here on earth. She was a very sweet soul and I enjoyed taking care of her, along with my students very much. I will miss her. Thank you for allowing me and the students the opportunity of knowing her. We were enriched by her presence.
My personal deepest and most heartfelt sympathy and prayers are extended to the entire family,
Debra Faith, RN
Adjunct Instructor
Delaware Technical and Community College
C.N.A. Evening Program
Wilmington Campus.
SY CLARK
Quintin, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your mother, I also lost my mother
a while back. Yesterday was her birthday. I didn’t know your mother but I know her son and I also know
that apples don’t fall far from their tree. We have not been afforded much time to spend together,
but you are always in my thoughts. May God continue to bless and watch over you and your
family.
Sy
E-Bette Shidler
I thought the Primo family would like to know, now that her “evening has come,” that this was Mrs. Primo’s favorite poem to read at Cokesbury’s poetry group in a warm, strong voice:
Let Evening Come
by Jane Kenyon
Let the light of late afternoon
shine through chinks in the barn, moving
up the bales as the sun moves down.
Let the cricket take up chafing
as a woman takes up her needles
and her yarn. Let evening come.
Let dew collect on the hoe abandoned
in long grass. Let the stars appear
and the moon disclose her silver horn.
Let the fox go back to its sandy den.
Let the wind die down. Let the shed
go black inside. Let evening come.
To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop
in the oats, to air in the lung
let evening come.
Let it come, as it will, and don’t
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.
Peg Kirby-Crozier
Cynthia — So sad to read of your mother’s passing. She sounded like such a delightful and wonderful mother. I was a friend of yours at Warner Junior High School in Wilmington. You recited a poem that was entitled “An Ode to a Waterfowl.” Do you remember that? I live with my mom at this time and she just celebrated her 104th birthday. Still going strong. It’s unbelievable. She’s homebound, but she thinks she’s been out shopping with me recently. Again, I’m sorry for your loss. Please reply if you wish.
Alvin V. Cheeks
Cynthia – I only learned today of the homegoing of your mother, Winifred. Mrs. Primo and your father, Bishop Primo, were very inspirational people who always tried to let their light shine. I was recently speaking to a former classmate about our experiences at Washington Elementary School with teachers like Mrs. Primo who tried to instill more than just the three Rs in their students. We were also taught to RESPECT ourselves and others and to REACH to our highest potential. Those values remain today in many of your mother’s students as a part of the legacy that she leaves the world. Your mother (and father) welcomed me in your family’s home and heart. I thank you and your family for sharing her with all of us who were blessed to have walked along the same path with her for a moment in our journeys of life. Be encouraged. In a twinkling of an eye, we in Christ shall all meet together in glory.