Winifred “Winnie” Birkbeck

Winifred “Winnie” Birkbeck
August 19, 1939 – March 6, 2026
Winifred “Winnie” Birkbeck, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in Grafton, VA.Born on August 19, 1939, in Birkenhead, England, Winnie was one of twelve siblings and a twin to her brother, William. On September 5, 1959, Winnie married Alex Birkbeck at Holy Cross Church in Bidston, Cheshire, UK. In 1968, the couple embarked on a new chapter, moving across the Atlantic to settle in Grafton, Virginia, which would become her longtime home. Winnie was a fixture in the Grafton community. Soon after arriving, she began working at Wornom’s Drug Store. A talented craftswoman with an entrepreneurial spirit, she eventually established her own window treatment fabrication business in 1980. Later in her career, she brought her expertise to Wythe Contract Sales. Winnie was preceded in death by her son, David; her parents, Thomas and Alice Ollerhead; her brothers, Tommy, Dickie, Michael, and William; and her sisters, Norah and Molly.
Her memory will be cherished by her husband of over 60 years, Alex Birkbeck; her son, Martin (Tracy); her four grandchildren, Matthew, Erica, Collyn, and Cole; and her two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Clifford and Tony, and her sisters, Rita and Mavis.
A celebration of Winnie’s life will be held at a later date.