Waltraud Guinness (also affectionately known as "Wally" to her friends) ascended into heaven on Friday, October 2nd. She was a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend to many. She was born in Germany during World War 2 and she was one of six siblings. Her early years were not the easiest, but she was able to overcome much. She met and married an American soldier, Michael Guinness. After two years of marriage they moved to the United States with their family (son Tom and daughter Shaunagh) to start a new life. She came to the United States not speaking the language nor knowing how to drive … both of which she learned quickly. She loved the freedom of driving her 1st car, which was a little red convertible. Not long after Waltraud moved to Rochester, NY, her sister, Helga followed her to Rochester with her family. Waltraud and Helga were incredibly close their entire lives. Eventually her brother, Richard, followed both of them to Rochester to live. The siblings were now split evenly between the US and Germany.
Waltraud continued to embrace her German culture by working as a waitress in the Bratwurst House in downtown Rochester, attending the numerous German festivals including Oktoberfest's around the city and every Saturday listening to the German segment on a local radio station. You could always find her near the dance floor at these festivals wearing her Dirndl, that she typically made herself, or on the dance floor dancing the polka with her sister Helga.
She loved to have a good time no matter what she was doing … dancing, celebrating the holidays (especially Christmas), showing her granddaughters the stars, playing board and card games and even when she worked at the Country Club of Rochester for many years. Whenever anyone came to visit her whether at home, in the hospital or even recently in the nursing home, she always wanted to feed you. This was just a part of who she was.
She had the ability to make lifelong friendships that were very dear to her. She was always there to support them or just have a cup of coffee or a drink with them. She was super honest with all even if you didn't want to hear it.
Prior to her suffering her stroke 5 years ago she had always dress to the nines for nearly every occasion. She was always so stylish and kept up with styles from her youth until just recently.
She loved her son and daughter unconditionally, as well as her grandchildren and siblings. They meant the world to her and she would have the last word by saying "I love you more" in every conversation.
She was an important influence on many and she will be missed every day.
Family will receive friends 11am Friday, October 9th with a memorial service at 12pm at New Comer Funeral home, 2636 Ridgeway Ave.