Following an almost year-long battle with cancer, Carol Winchester passed away on the morning of March 6th at the age of 69, at home with her husband Dan by her side.
Carol was born in Portland and is survived by her husband Dan Winchester, son Dane, Daughter-in-law Stephanie, mother Velma Wood, sister Brarbara Ramsby, and brother Dean Wood.
She was an exceptionally strong person, living to the fullest for the past 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis while never complaining and overcoming that physical challenge to become an accomplished watercolor and aquamedia artist in Portland, Oregon. Her accomplishments provided encouragement, inspiration, and proof to many that it is possible to overcome a significant physical disability to have a great, productive life.
She was a dedicated mother and wife, both supporting and enjoying the family sailboat racing hobby even if she could no longer race herself. She loved traveling (both abroad and in their GMC motorhome), spending time with family and friends, taking painting classes to expand her techniques, and maybe most of all painting.
She was very dedicated to volunteering in the schools until her Son reached high school, which was the perfect time to dedicate herself to exercising and developing her artistic talents. She was a member of the Northwest Watercolor Society, Oregon Watercolor Society, Westside Artists, Buffalo Grass Society of Artists and Lake Area Artists and won numerous awards at Oregon Watercolor Society and other regional art shows between 1991-2012. She created hundreds of amazing paintings over the years. In addition to selling paintings at local art shows and galleries, many of her sailboat themed paintings have appeared on the cover or in a number of sailing publications as well as become racing trophies.
There will be a celebration of life held on May 30, 2015 at 1PM at Dane and Stephanie Winchester's house in Sherwood, OR lasting as long as people stay. Please join us if you can. Carol did not want a traditional memorial service, but instead a gathering where people can get together, have a good time, and celebrate life not death.
There will be snacks and drinks provided. It will be an informal gathering, everyone who knew her is welcome.
Although there will be a more formal sale of her artwork sometime this Summer or Fall (see below), some paintings will be available at the celebration of life. These paintings will be free, but any donations to charities she was interested in will be welcomed.
We hope to see you there. If you need directions, please contact Dane, Dan, or Stephanie. RSVP is not necessary, but if you know you can make it an RSVP would be great. RSVPs can go to Dane - danew@pobox.com.
We will also be having a sale of close to 100 of her paintings at great prices to benefit one of her passions, the Water Color Society of Oregon non-profit foundation. Stay tuned for the time and place, it will be in the Summer or Fall.
We'd like to finish with a sentiment that was shared by a long-time family friend "If I have to pick someone who has walked with me through life and been the "BEST" in all good ways it would only take me a second to say it was Carol". It is so fitting and we couldn't agree more. She was the best and will be missed immensely by so many!
Please enjoy some of the best of Carol's many paintings included on this site. Not many of us get to leave a piece of themselves with so many people as she has with her artwork, it is an unbelievable legacy.