Annie Monique Winters

HARVEYS LAKE — Annie Monique Winters, 63, of Harveys Lake, was taken from us far too soon on Jan. 14, 2019, at Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Annie was born in the beautiful Wyoming Valley on Oct. 4, 1955. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Sampson Winters, and father Walter Winters. Annie is survived by her love, best friend and soulmate, Gary Evans; loving cousins, Mark Smocynski, of West Chester, Joan Irving, of Seattle, Wash., and Sharon Troynacki, of Pittston; and extended family and friends.

Annie was an avid horse lover. She was a talented and outstanding rider who successfully competed at major events and championships in her youth. In her teens, she was a fixture in the thoroughbred racing scene in the tri-state area. Annie, along with her parents, owned and trained several prize-winning horses, including her cherished "Black Comic."

She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church, Harveys Lake. Annie attended the parochial schools of St. Hedwigs and Gate of Heaven. She was an honor student and 1973 graduate of Dallas High School. After high school, she followed her equine passion and accepted a training position at a horse ranch in Florida. After a few years, she returned to her beloved hometown of Harveys Lake.

Annie was a professional mixologist, had a passion for cooking and is credited for creating many Epicurean masterpieces in food and cocktails. Annie was a well-known, respected longtime bartender around the Valley since the late 1970s, known by many and loved by all who met her as devoted loyal friend, amateur therapist and peacekeeper. Friends will remember her infectious laugh, quick witty humor and smiling face as she served up good times and cocktails at Mickey Finns, Murphy's, The Cracker Box, Dallas American Legion and Fishtales Bar & Grill, Harveys Lake.

Annie was a music lover and musician. She played her Martin guitar, the harmonica and enjoyed traveling to week-long bluegrass festivals. Beautiful Annie will be sadly missed but fondly remembered as fiercely independent, generously giving of herself and, above all else, for her kind-hearted soul. She leaves us with many wonderful memories.

A memorial service will be 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, in Romayne's Ballroom at the Lakeside Skillet, Harveys Lake, with the Rev. Mr. Thomas Cesarini, deacon, officiating. All who loved her are welcome to attend.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Visit www.clswansonfuneralhome.com to express condolences.