Rene W. Cotton

Rene Wininger Cotton, age 94, passed away April 6th, 2020 due to Covid-19 in Manchester, New Hampshire. She was intelligent, independent, loving, and the backbone of her family- a true matriarch in every sense of the word.
Rene was confident and caring, opinionated and engaging. She loved dance and literature. She believed in love, the importance of family and friends, and finishing whatever you set your mind to do.
She was born in Wichita Falls, Texas to Cotman Benton Wininger and Maggie Kate Bonner on July 19, 1925. No matter where she went, she stayed true to her Texan roots. Her adventures in life took her down many roads but she always remained her genuine and authentic self.
She wore many hats over the course of her life, and she wore them all well. After leaving Texas, she moved to Washington DC and was a statistician at the Pentagon. She then lived in Wellesley, MA for 51 years. There she was a secretary in the admissions office at Wellesley College (1968-1988) until she retired.
She spent every summer at her camp on Schoodic Lake in Columbia, Maine surrounded by the blueberry barrens that she so loved. It was there where some of her fondest memories were created and remain.
Rene was predeceased by her beloved husband Stanley Cotton and her dearest sisters- Janice "Sally" Wininger, Bonnie Wininger Gross and Jane Wininger Rehders.
She is survived by her four children Bonnie Prall, Katie Gillen, Mark Cotton, Janice Zwart, her 11 grandchildren, and her 19 great grandchildren. She had a special bond with each and every one of them and leaves behind a legacy of love. She will forever be in their hearts.
Her family would like to give special thanks to Hanover Hill Health Care Center and Elliot Hospital for the care and compassion they provided.
Her family is hoping to have a celebration of her life on July 19th, 2020 at her camp in Columbia, Maine. Please contact the family for further details as this is subject to change dependent upon circumstances related to the pandemic.
For anyone who would like to make donations in her name, please send them to the American Red Cross. She had supported their organization throughout her lifetime.