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Mary Winters Obituary
Mary Lou Trawick Winters, age 79, died after a prolonged illness with Alzheimer's disease at Poydras Home on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.
Mary Lou was born in Monroe, LA in 1935. An outstanding leader, she served many years as Chairperson and Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Louisiana. She served 32 years on the National Democratic Central Committee and attended all the Presidential Conventions during her tenure. She was chief lobbyist for the Louisiana State Medical Society and in 1975 successfully passed H.B. 817 to protect the medical profession (physicians and hospitals) against frivolous law suits. She never accepted any payment for her services.
Mary Lou served 8 years on the Louisiana Judiciary Commission, appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court, and was its first female chairperson.
After high school, Mary Lou earned full scholarships to Randolph Macon and Sophie Newcomb, however, she chose to attend LSU, which she loved. She was twice chosen Chairperson for LSU Annual Alumni Association's fund raising campaigns, and twice chosen to be the Key Note speaker at LSU's graduation.
Mary Lou's favorite quote: "I am an eternal optimist, I know that tomorrow is going to be better than today." She was enjoyed by all and she was tenaciously loyal to her many friends.
Beloved wife of Dr. Harry H. Winters III. Loving mother to six and grandmother to ten: Hall Winters IV (Lisa Etheridge) and daughter Caroline Grace of Columbia, LA; Judge Stephens Winters (Sandie Barnes) and children Hollin Claire, Hallie Ann, and Hamilton of West Monroe, LA; Martha Winters Guarisco (Dr. Lindhe Guarisco) and children Colin, Camille, Amelie and Hall, of Metairie, LA; Caroline Winters Connell (the late Dr. Michael Connell) and sons Martin Stephens, and Wesley Walk; Mary Catherine Winters of New Orleans, LA; and Amanda Winters of Austin, TX.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Catholic Service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA in Metairie Cemetery on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Poydras Home and Hospice Compassus who lovingly cared for Mary Lou making terminal care an experience of comfort and dignity. Contributions to Poydras Home, 5354 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115 preferred. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home
New Orleans, LA
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Winters
December 14, 2015
My thoughts this holiday are with Harry and family. Our friendship goes "way back!" Know that others care. Hugs..Mary Kathryn Firnberg Berry.
Lien Nguyen
November 28, 2014
Dear Judge Winters, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless and comfort you all.
Lauren Pettingill
November 26, 2014
Sending hugs and heartfelt sympathy to the whole Winters family. I hope there is some measure of comfort in knowing how many lives your wife/Mom brightened, and that she is now enjoying eternal peace. Special hugs to my darling friend, Amanda, whose vibrant spirit is surely a living testimony to the love instilled by your amazing Mom. You will always be "my sister from another Mother", Amanda, and I pray for abundant love and comfort to your whole family at this difficult time.
Judge James Dennis
November 25, 2014
With deepest sympathy.
B. J. Robison
November 25, 2014
Mary Lou and I grew up together and remained friends over the years. Harry was also a very good friend. Mary Lou was extremely intelligent, a very loyal friend, and a real leader. Harry, I know that you will miss her. If you are ever in SW Florida, please plan to visit us. We live in Bonita Springs, FL, and would love to see you. My God bless Mary Lou's soul in heaven.
B. J. and Mary Jo Robison
LaQuita & Tony Danna
November 24, 2014
Stephen, Your mom was a great friend to my mom and your family is special to us. We will keep you all in our prayers and know that you have many fond memories to keep her close at hear. We love you!
Elwyna "Weenie" Wills Smith
November 24, 2014
Mary Lou will be fondly remembered from our high school days and will be in prayer for your family.
David Cripps
November 24, 2014
My condolences to Dr. Winters and the Winters family, She was a wonderful lady !
Bob Edmonson
November 24, 2014
Louisiana has lost a great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. I fondly remember her from our high school together.
amanda winters
November 23, 2014
Thanks immensely for the dear notes to my family. Dad is doing really well and we feel she went on in a comforted way.
***Please note that the Poydras Home donation weblink is incorrect. If, by chance, you want to donate in honor of Mom, one would call the poydras home directly at504-897-0535
Tom and Ione Elioff
November 23, 2014
So sad to say goodby to our friend from high school days. She was a wonderful person then and grew into a fine mother and political leader. Our hearts go out to you all.
November 23, 2014
I am saddened to learn of Mrs. Winters' death. Peace to you and all the family.
Donna Alger
Tom Waggoner
November 23, 2014
Wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories. Mary Lou always strived to help make the lives of others better. Tom and Kathryn Waggoner and family.
November 22, 2014
To: The Family of Mrs. Mary L. Trawick-Winters (Judge H. Stephens Winters). Although I never had the opportunity to meet your mother, I felt as though I knew her personally. I smiled, thinking of the picture of her that you painted in my mind. I saw her obituary and was immediately reminded of the hilarious,fond stories of your mother that you shared with me regarding your college years at Southern University. Just know that although your thoughts of her may now be clouded with grief. That grief will be replaced with the fond memories of your loved one. Find comfort in knowing that she is now GOD'S MOST LOVING AND TRUSTING CARE.
Janice A. Williams
November 22, 2014
Dear Dr. Harry Winters III and family: May Love and memories you hold in your heart bring peace and comfort. Kathie, Robert and Krista Ewing.
Dr. Samuel E. Field
November 22, 2014
Keeping the winter family in our prayers
November 22, 2014
Always so supportive of my mom, dad, and Aunt Anna. I have incredible memories of Cousin Mary while I was growing up. She was dedicated to family 110%. A classy lady in all respects. My best to all of you. Anna Lou
Antoinette Franklin
November 22, 2014
Sorry for the loss of Mary Lou , will keeping the winters family lifted up in prayers.
November 22, 2014
To your family, from ours. We send our greatest sympathy and prayers.
God bless you and keep you each and everyday.
Terry and Deborah Harrelson Head
Columbia, Louisiana
Bob & Tricia Krueger
November 22, 2014
Cousin Harry, our loving thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family during this very sad time. May God give you His comfort and peace.
Cleve Brooks
November 22, 2014
It is with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of dear Mary Lou. You all are in our prayers and we know that the many, many wonderful memories of her will provide comfort and support to you during this difficult time. In deepest sympathy and love from the Brooks Family.
November 22, 2014
Dear Stephens and Wnters family. My heart aches for your loss. Just trust that God will ease your pain. Peace be with each of you. Prayers! Love you much, Pam Mann
Billy & Donna Fleming
November 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen & Danny Finley
November 21, 2014
Dr. Winters and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Winters. We know your hearts are heavy and pray that God and precious memories will help heal your hearts during this difficult time.
Lisa Kelso LeBlanc
November 21, 2014
On behalf of the Kelso family, we offer our condolences and prayers for the entire Winters family. Each one of us kids have such fond memories of the time we spent in your home. She was special. Hugs to Dr Winters from us all. God bless!
Dewey Albritton
November 21, 2014
I have fond memories of Mary Lou at Ouachita High School and LSU, where she was a true leader. Prayers and condolences to her family.
November 21, 2014
To Dr. Winters and the entire Winters Clan. I know you will miss your mother and wife but she is no longer suffering now. She was a wonderful boss here at Caldwell Memorial Hospital. I have often told people about how wonderful she was and shared the memories of working for you.
Dr I will call you soon.
Love
Betty Jordan( The Sheriff)
Columbia, La
Teresa Smith
November 21, 2014
Stephens my thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
November 21, 2014
My sincerely condolence to the entire Winters family. Dr. Winters was my doctor and Mary Lou was my friend. I will forever be grateful for her support and friendship. She was a great lady, never afraid to speak her mind or support what she thought was right. She is missed already. May God grant you comfort and peace.--Don C. Burns
Linda Childress davis
November 21, 2014
The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Frances Thrasher
November 21, 2014
Dr. Winters, Stephens, Amanda, Caroline, Katherine, Martha, and Hall:
My prayers and love to each of you in this time of sadness and joy. Sadness because you have lost a person who loved you so much; joy because of the happy memories that she helped create for each of you, your children, and all of us.
She was a special lady. She gave not only to her family, but to her community, her state, and her country. She inspired many women to get involved and taught us how to make a difference. She worked for causes that she believed would help others.
Hope that one of these days I can give you each a hug and let you know how special you all are to have had such a special mom. Kimberly and I talk about you often, and any conversation about River Oaks School always includes the Winters. I am so glad that I knew your mom, and I know that your dad will be there to keep you all together.
Love and special thoughts.
Greg Thompson
November 21, 2014
Your family is in my prayers. God bless.
MARIE DAVIS
November 21, 2014
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE WINTERS FAMILY. MARY LOU HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED THE FIRST LADY OF COLUMBIA AND ALL OF LOUISIANA. SHE WAS LOVED AND RESPECTED BY ALL AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
November 21, 2014
Dr.Winters and family, I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. winters walking the halls at Caldwell memorial Hospital. She always spoke to everyone and she always had a smile on her face your family has my deepest sympathy for the lost of your Love one. Bobbie Morgan, Columbia, Louisiana
gary duplissey
November 21, 2014
Condolences. Prayers for You Guys.
Jim & Surmartha Wallace
November 20, 2014
Mrs. Mary Lou was a classy lady. Praying God's comfort upon you.
Tammy Smith Johnston
November 20, 2014
Dr. Winters and Family Prayers for you during this difficult time. Many memories of a great Family.
Judith McKee
November 20, 2014
We want to send our prayers to all of you, know that we
are thinking of you during this sad time.
The McKee Family
Brant Thompson
November 20, 2014
Mary Lou Winters was a special lady who forever left her mark on the political landscape of this country. However, most importantly, she leaves a lasting legacy through her wonderful kids and grandkids. My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Winters and the entire family in your time of loss. Love to all of you,
Greg & Joyce Copeland
November 20, 2014
Our sincerest sympathies for you all. Louisiana has lost a great lady!
November 20, 2014
Loved waiting on Ms Mary Lou all the years I worked at Caldwell Bank. She was such a gracious lady.
Janet Hill
November 20, 2014
Mary Lou was a good woman and I had immense respect for her. I know what you all are going through. Doc, I love you and I too wish I could be there for you.
Trey Watson
November 20, 2014
Dr. Winters and family, you have my most sincere and deepest condolences. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you in your time of need as you and Ms. Mary Lou were always there for our family.
dwight vines
November 20, 2014
Mary Lou was a great friend. We had many interesting conversations about state affairs. She was also a great supporter of NLU during the years I was president. I have missed her greatly during recent years. My prayers are with the family.
November 20, 2014
Dr. Winters and family I have such good memories of Mary Lou. Mary Lou was a special and giving person. She made my junior and senior year of high school so much easier with her generosity. I will never forget her kindness. Hattie Watson
Teresa Moen
November 20, 2014
Judge Winters and family, so sorry to hear the sad news. What a special lady who will be remembered always. Prayers to you all.
Teresa Moen
Georgia Futch
November 20, 2014
Sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet lady.
November 20, 2014
Dr. Winters and all of the Winters family. I grieve with you at this time, but I know she will live on always in our mind and heart.
Sincerely,
E. D. Baker MD
Bastrop, LA
Susan Gartman
November 20, 2014
Remembering all the special times through all the years. She was a special lady and added much to our lives. Good memories!
James & Louise Turner
November 20, 2014
To Judge Stephen Winters and Family from James and Louise Turner,Our prayers are for you and family doing this difficult time. May God blessing and strength keep you.
November 20, 2014
Mary Lou and Harry encouraged me to practice medicine in Monroe. She was a big help to me for many years, and both were friends.
Mary Lou was a special person.
Douglas C. Brown, MD
Chuck Cannon
November 20, 2014
Stephens, I was sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My prayers go out to you and your family. Take care my friend.
November 20, 2014
Dear Harry and Family. I am saddened to read of your loss. Mary was a very special lady and my special friend. I loved and admired her. I grieve with you and all
your family. My deepest sympathy. Pat Morse
November 20, 2014
Thinking of your family and the special times we have shared through the years. You are in our prayers.
Lillian Riser and Herschel Gentry, Ramona Riser Martin, Deanna Riser, Melissa Riser, Neil ,Vicki, Emilie and Allison Riser
Mary Ann Bratton
November 20, 2014
My dearest second family I grieve with you.
I know first hand how special your mother was and I am so sorry for your lose.
Dr. Winters I wish so much that I could be there for you, I love you so much and miss you...
My sincerest condolences, Mary A. Bratton
Chuck Cook
November 20, 2014
Dear Dr. Winters; My wife, Donna, and I wish to extend our condolences to you and your family for your great loss. As you know, I met you and your family just after Stephens joined us at the Ouacita District Attorny's Office when he finished law school. I consider that event as a high point in my life. All of you are wonderful people and I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity I had to get to know Mrs. Winters, you, and your wonderful children. I know that GOD was waiting with open arms when Mrs. Winters entered HIS Kingdom. She positively touched so many people during her life here with us. I have, and will always, smile when I think of her. CHUCK and DONNA COOK
Clay Parker
November 20, 2014
Having Stephens as a best friend, the Winters' family gave me a "second" home as I was growing up. Dr. and Mrs. Winters treated me like one of their own and I love them for that. There is now a void and Mrs. Mary Lou will be missed dearly. I will always consider myself part of your family.
Love you all, Clay Parker
Cindy Watson
November 20, 2014
She was such a special person to our family. With love to all.
November 20, 2014
we are very sorry for your loss,Mary Lou was a wonderful friend to our family and will be in our prayers. Alfred and Margaret Honeycutt Calhoun
Nicole Conville
November 20, 2014
Judge Winters, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and Prayers. Nicole Conville, daughter of Carol Coates
November 20, 2014
Dear Dr. Winters, my wife, Donna, and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to you and your entire family for your great loss. I have been thankful for my connection to your family over the years. I first met Stephens as he joined us at the Ouachita Parish District Attorney's Office just after his law school graduation. Through him, I was able to meet your entire family. I have, and always will, consider that a fortunate event in my life. May GOD bless each of you as you progress through a life absent Mrs. Winters' physical presence. As you know, God was waiting with open arms when he received her into his kingdom. She lived a fantastic physical life among all of us and during her life, kindly touched an army of people. CHUCK and DONNA COOK.
November 20, 2014
Our love and sympathy, Ron and Gin Shemwell
November 20, 2014
Loving thoughts and prayers to Harry and family. Mary Lou was a special friend. Difficult to believe that she is no longer with us. Mary Kathryn Firnberg Berry
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