Winifred "Winnie" J. Been, 78, of Glens Falls, passed away peacefully at her son's house on Sunday January 3, 2021 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Winnie was born in Plattsburgh on September 10, 1942 to the late Percival and Anna (Chamberlain) Denton. She grew up in Kattskill Bay and graduated from Lake George High School in 1960. Winnie's mother died at an early age and her father was fortunate to have met and remarried a lovely lady, Florence (O'Dell) Denton.

Winnie married Ralph (Sam) Been on November 11, 1961 to whom she was married to for 57 years until his passing in 2019. She enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, listening to country music, and spending time with her friends and family.

In addition to her husband, parents, and stepmother, Winnie is predeceased by her brother, Percival Denton, Jr., her sisters; Gloria Jenkins, Elizabeth Bardin, and Patricia Denton, her sister in-law; Marjorie Denton, and her brother in-laws; Thomas Jenkins and Erwin Bardin.

Winnie is survived by her five children; sons, Ralph "Denny" (Tammy) Been, Theodore (Shelly) Been; daughters, Julia Nesbitt (Kevin Tuohy), Tara (Joseph) Lehnert, and Teresa (Merritt) Black. She leaves behind 13 grandchildren; Keri- Sue Bonnaci, Marci Been, Kathryn Bell, Rebecca Been, Sarah Been, Elizabeth Been, Benjamin Been, Jacob Nesbitt, Carter Nesbitt, Tristan Lehnert, Tyler Lehnert, Ethan Black and Cameron Black, great-grandchildren; Reed Bonnaci, James Bonnaci, and Peyton French, sister Christina Sweet, and several nieces and nephews.

When we think of mom, we remember how she always welcomed everyone into our home. She loved having a house full of kids and we were fortunate that she was able to stay at home to raise us. Mom touched the lives of many children and provided home daycare so that other parents could work. In doing so, she established lifelong friendships with parents and children alike. She was extremely involved in all of our activities and was well known by students and faculty at Sanford Street School. We are often reminded that our mother was a source of constant comfort for our friends and they frequently referred to her as "Ma Been".  Mom was a great cook and always made sure there was plenty of food so that none of our friends were ever turned away from the dinner table.

Calling hours will be Thursday, January 7 ^th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at St. Michael's Church, 80 Saratoga Avenue, South Glens Falls. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm at the church, with the Rev. Guy A. Childs, Pastor, officiating. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, all state mandated regulations must be adhered to. The service will be live streamed through the parish's YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend.  Interment will be Friday at 10:30 am at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Winnie's children would like to thank everyone that assisted mom and provided support during this difficult time, especially Shelly, Kevin, Aunt Chris, Julie, Sharon, Marty, Laurie, and Bill. Memorial contributions may be made in Winnie's memory to High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls.

Condolences and floral arrangements may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.