Louise Winchester, a former resident of Patagonia, passed away peacefully on July 3, in Tucson.
Louise was born in Gary, Indiana, and received an Associate of Arts degree from Northwestern University in Indiana.
While she was working in Chicago, Louise met Bob Winchester. Louise and Bob lived in the same apartment building. She would hear someone singing in the apartment below and think to herself, “What a great voice!” One day Bob got a letter that was addressed to Louise, delivered by mistake to his mailbox. He took it upstairs to Louise, and they got to know each other.
They were married in 1967, and in 1969 they moved to Washington, D.C., where Louise became personnel director for “Ship Hope,” a program that brings medical aid to people and countries in need. Her husband, Bob, was the financial director for HUD.
Louise and Bob both developed chemical sensitivities resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of exposure from a gas water heater that had faulty vents. After traveling across the country searching for a safe place to live, they found Patagonia, and in 1981 they made their home there. Louise’s social life and activities outside her home were limited by her sensitivities. Nevertheless, she joined the Santa Cruz Singers for one season. She also loved classical music, enjoyed writing poetry, and was a voracious reader—reading about five books per week.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Robert Winchester, and her son, Richard David. She is survived by son Dennis David, granddaughter Korena David, and brother, William Castle.
An outdoor service is planned for the fall, when the weather is cooler.