Alison Kirkconnell Kinsela Winters, 91 of Duluth, passed away on Oct. 31, 2007 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth with her family around her, having shared time with her friends and extended family. She was born Sept. 27, 1916 to Monta West Kirkconnell and Robert Kirkconnell in Walker, Minn. Alison married Kirwin K. Kinsela in 1938 and the two had four children. She married Lyle Winters in 1990. Alison cherished her friends and family and with them studied, prayed, and healed. She was a devoted mother and wife. Alison was an avid gardener, she delighted in nature, and shared many years at her cabin in the Cloquet Valley State Forest with family and friends. Alison was a champion of women's rights in the workplace. Alison advocated alternative medicine and healing while using the best that western medicine had to offer. In recent years, Alison lived at Chris Jensen Nursing Home. Alison departed the world at the Solvay Hospice House. Her family thanks both for their devoted care. Alison was preceded in death by her mother and father; first husband, Kirwin Kinsela; second husband, Lyle Winters; beloved son, David Kinsela; great-grandson, David Kinsela III; dear companion, E. Wallie Johnson; son-in-law, Andy Fankell; two sisters, Margaret and Dorothy; brother, Robert 'Budd'; and many dear friends and guides. She is survived by her daughters, Diane Skeffington, Mary Fankell, and Kristin (Dexter) Larsen; daughter-in-law, Susan Kinsela; stepchildren, Judith Winters, Rob (Sheila) Winters, Marj (Dale) York, Randall (Holly) Winters, Pam Brasley, and Carol (Kirk) McClellan; grandchildren, David (Patty) Kinsela, Don (Cheryl) Kinsela, Debi (Robert) Osuna, Dan (Judy) Kinsela, Laura (Paul) Schmidt, Neil Larsen, Tamara (Steve) Norris, and Tara (Rich) Raynak; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. CELEBRATION OF LIFE:2 pm on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 in Lake Superior Interfaith Community Church, 1414 E. 9th Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the animal shelter or hospice of the donor's choice. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of MN 218-624-5200.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.
To Diane, Mary & Kristin:
Please accept my sincere sympathy at this very sad time. It is always so difficult to lose a dear mother, but I hope your precious memories will comfort you in the difficult days that lie ahead.
Linda Tannis
November 14, 2007 | Ottawa, ON
Mama has been blessed with such great friends and family and their visits, prayers, cards and calls have filled her heart with great joy. Thanks to all.
Photos can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ynnpcl
Kristin Larsen
November 05, 2007 | Duluth, MN
Alison was the one person in my life that new I would be someone one day. She always made me feel loved. I will miss her alot. wish I would have spent more time with her while she was still with us. All my thoughts and memories are good ones. I love her very much.
DONALD KINSELA
November 03, 2007 | EASLEY, SC
alison will always be a most amazing spiritual teacher in my eyes; a true 'lead by example' woman of faith. she was a pioneer in many aspects of her life. yet, she was always true to herself. alison will hold a warm and cherished corner of my heart until we meet again... susan hb
susan holloway
November 02, 2007 | Virginia, MN
My grandmother was an angel on here on earth. She was and is an inspiration to me in so many ways. She has taught me so much about the spiritual world. I will always cherish all of the wonderful memories I have of her. Just thinking about her warms my heart. I believe she is dancing with the angels now and I hope she is truly happy and at peace. Grandma, you will always be loved, cherished, remembered and missed. I love you. Love, Tami
Tami Norris
November 02, 2007 | Lorain, OH
Dearest Family of Alison,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend, please accept my condolences at this difficult time. Alison lived her spirituality in a way that set an example for me and many others.
I consider her my spiritual teacher as well as a very dear friend. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Linda Lemke
Linda Lemke
November 02, 2007 | Duluth, MN
