Ann Winsor

Ann Helen Winsor (April 28, 1920 - June 13, 2019) Ann Helen Winsor of Sun City West passed away peacefully on June 13, 2019 at the age of 99. Ann was born April 28, 1920 in New Bedford, Massachusetts  - the same year, she proudly noted, that women earned the right to vote in the U.S. She was a first generation Polish American, the beloved daughter of Helen (née Tomkiewicz) and Stanley Kobovski. Ann received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts and her Master's degree in Education from the University of Oregon. She was a dedicated educator with a distinguished career and a wonderful spirit of adventure. She began as an elementary school teacher in Stonington, Connecticut. She taught in Hilo, Hawaii and Anchorage, Alaska when they were still U.S. territories, settled in Portland, Oregon where she earned her Master's degree and finally was appointed head of the Remedial Reading program for San Rafael City Schools in Marin County, California. Teaching children to read was her lifelong passion. Upon her retirement, Ann moved to Arizona. She was active in the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters, an organization close to her heart. She was a loyal member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Surprise, which was her social and her spiritual home. An active sportswoman, Ann practiced yoga, enjoyed working out in the gym, hiked and cross country skied until she was 92. She loved to travel, and visited Europe several times on her own during her retirement. She was an enthusiastic gardener, relished fine wine and adored good books and art. Ann was a remarkable woman - strong and independent and intelligent. She created a rich and interesting life for herself, full of fascinating adventures, intriguing people and personal successes.  She leaves her many dear friends, a trail of enamored suitors and her daughter, Dianne. We will all miss her very much. A celebration of Ann's life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at noon, following the regular Sunday service, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Surprise: 17540 N. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise, AZ 85378. Everyone is welcome! Please contact the church office at 623 875-2550 if you'd like more information.  Memorial gifts in honor of Ann Helen Winsor may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Surprise.