Kathryn S. Winslow

Kathryn Sinquefield Winslow, born July 27, 1939, passed away on January 1, 2025, after celebrating Christmas with many of her family. She was born in Manning, AR, to Lula Key Sinquefield and Jessie Leonard Sinquefield, and was raised in Sparkman, AR. Her mother was a locally known historian and writer whose articles were frequently featured in Arkansas newspapers and magazines. Her father was in the construction and furniture design business, and his craftsmanship is still visible in many municipal buildings, schools, and private homes throughout Arkansas.

Kathy devoted her life to her family and to the exploration of religion, philosophy, and the written word. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, she attended Hendrix College in Conway, AR, on a scholarship, earning a bachelor's degree in Religion and Philosophy while supporting herself working for the Methodist Church. Shortly before completing college, she married Clyde (Skip) McCormick, and they went on to have two children while Skip was beginning a career with the USAF. In 1971, Kathy entered a graduate program at the University of Arkansas, eventually completing a master's degree in philosophy, writing her thesis on the concept of freedom in the philosophies of Bergson and Sartre. The family moved to the San Antonio area when Skip was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, and Kathy spent most of her life in the San Antonio area. She taught philosophy part-time for four years at San Antonio College in the mid-seventies. Though Kathy and Skip later parted, they remained dear friends for the remainder of her life.

Kathy had a successful career with the Air Force Civilian Service, earning numerous honors, including the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. She worked in various offices at Lackland Air Force Base, including the Defense Language Institute, the Chaplain's Office, Civil Engineering, and the Real Estate Office. Kathy's time at the Chaplain's Office deepened her appreciation for the symbolism and rituals of Catholic services and the erudition of its clergy, leading her to convert to Catholicism. She also spent two years on a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) at Comiso Air Base in Sicily, Italy, choosing to live off base in Scoglitti to immerse herself in the local community. There, Kathy fell in love with Italian and Sicilian culture and began learning Italian. She also formed lasting friendships among the locals.

After retiring, Kathy enjoyed many activities, including reading, poetry, gardening, art collage, and learning French. Her lifetime favorite authors included Michael Ondaatje, John Fowles, Iris Murdoch, and Lawrence Durrell. She became active on Facebook, participating in groups where she made many friends who shared her passion for the written word. Kathy also practiced Tai Chi for many years. During her retirement years, Kathy was devoted to her four cats and poodle, posting about them often, and accumulating many artistic images of cats in her home.

While she remained a Catholic, attending her last Mass just a month before her death, Kathy sought a personal connection with the Divine through diverse sources. She had a deep respect for various religions and cultures. She was as likely to quote Sufi mystic Rumi as Catholic mystic Thomas Merton; there were a few statues of the Buddha scattered among her crosses and crucifixes; and her music collection included chants and spiritual music from various religions.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Leonard and Lula Key Sinquefield; her stepfather, Earl Porter; two of her three sisters, Zane Seal and Jennie Kennedy; and two of her nephews, Keith Leamons and Kevin Watson. She is survived by her sister, Lena Roberts; her children, Shawna McCormick and Mark McCormick (Melissa); her dear friend and former husband, Clyde (Skip) McCormick (Shery French); her grandchildren: Anthony Caridi Jr. (Baxter Lowe), Ryan Caridi (Kassidy Richardson), Shea McIntyre (Chase Tatum), Annika McCormick (Alarik Hernandez), and Rowyn McCormick. She leaves behind one beloved great-grandchild, Olivander Richardson, as well as many extended family members and beloved friends.