Lauren Nicole Winkler

Our beloved Lauren, age 33, died from injuries sustained from being intentionally struck by a driver on April 30 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Lauren was born in Houston, Texas, and spent her childhood in Houston and the New Orleans area. Lauren was always very curious and asked a lot of questions. She loved nature, and she loved reading about and talking about science. She was also artistic, creating intricate miniatures from FIMO clay, painting, and doing calligraphy since she was a child. As an adult, she continued her interest in clay art and extended her creative talents to making lovely pen and ink drawings. Lauren developed an early love for classical music thanks to her Grandfather Howard's influence. She began playing the violin at age 8 and continued playing throughout her life.

Lauren's high school years were spent at the American School of the Hague, where she graduated in 2010 with an International Baccalaureate degree. She took extra science classes and graduated with more diplomas than needed. Lauren went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Harvey Mudd College in 2014 and her PhD in Molecular Biology from Yale University in 2021.

In 2022, Lauren began her career as a technical specialist with McNeill PLLC, a law firm specializing in patent prosecution and counseling for biotechnology and chemistry. She used her tremendous scientific mind and quickly learned patent law. She promptly passed the Patent Bar Examination and was admitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office bar as a Registered Patent Agent. Lauren made valuable contributions to the firm and its clients by drafting patent applications, negotiating the scope of patent rights with the USPTO, and providing advice and insight on the scope of issued patents. Lauren was a masterful writer and addressed very complex scientific issues with ease. This was her dream job.

Lauren was a devoted partner and best friend to Michael Bronstein during their seven-year relationship. Every evening before falling asleep, she made sure to say, "I love you," to him and their cat, Styx. Styx and Lauren shared a special bond; they spent late nights hunting decorative wheat together - a game Styx reserved solely for them.

Lauren loved her family, especially her Grandparents, Lenore and Howard, whom she visited frequently. Her Brother, Lee, and Sister-in-law, Sam, recognized her as the most "AWESOME Aunt" to their son Carson. She was close to her cousins Henrik and Stephanie, who also live in Minnesota. Lauren cared deeply for a circle of close local and long-distance friends, among whom she had a reputation for remembering to ask about small details of life - hopes, dreams, and upcoming challenges - even those brought up in passing months before.

Lauren embraced life in Minneapolis. This winter, she went downhill skiing for the first time and was excited to try again someday with her cousin in Colorado. She loved living in Uptown near the Lake of the Isles, where she, Michael, and friends frequently walked. She took violin and viola lessons from Leslie, a local teacher. Lauren played viola in the Minnetonka Chamber Orchestra. On Saturdays, she volunteered at the Como Zoo in nearby St. Paul. Lauren loved working with a zookeeper, Brooke, to provide enrichment for the animals. Lauren often regaled family and friends with stories from her time at the zoo, frequently featuring Dilla, her favorite six-banded armadillo. In the last month of her life, she attended protests asking for due process for immigrants to the United States and she applied to volunteer with an organization that assists local immigrant communities.

As a final act of love and kindness, Lauren donated organs to three individuals.

Lauren leaves behind her partner Michael Bronstein and their cat, Styxx; her parents, Teresa and Mitchell Winkler; her brother Lee Winkler, his wife Samantha and their son Carson; her grandparents, Lenore and Howard Winkler and Bob Ingram; Aunts and Uncles Kimberly and Gary Skinner, Mark and Cindy Ingram, Anne Winkler and her partner Mark Ashley, and Ulla Winkler. Her cousins: Bryan Skinner (Amy), Joseph Skinner, Brett Skinner, Kristie Ingram, Kacie Ingram, Russell Ingram, Henrik (Stephanie) Kowalkowski, and Andrew (Aisha) Kowalkowski.; Bryan's children Chloe, Colton, Sam, and Charlie and Joe's children Jaime and Joseph. She also leaves Michael's Mother Sue, whom Lauren adored, and Michael's brothers, Robert and Daniel (Aubrey).

Lauren was preceded in death by her grandmother Sue Ingram, and her uncle, James Winkler.

A small gathering was held on May 3 at the home of Henrik and Stephanie Kowalkowski. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 24 in Houston, Texas, at Memorial Park, Eastern Glades North Lakeside Pavilion from 5:30-8 pm. A final celebration is planned for Saturday, July 26, at the College Club of Boston from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The address is 44 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116. Light refreshments will be served.

In Lauren's memory, her family has partnered with the Como Zoo, where Lauren loved volunteering, and with her alma mater, Harvey Mudd College, to establish an endowed scholarship. Please follow the steps below if you would like to contribute in memory of Lauren.

Como Zoo

Online gift: https://comofriends.org/support/donate/memorial-tribute-gifts/ Please leave a message in the Comment Section that denotes the gift is in memory of Lauren Winkler - designated to Como Zoo.

Check: Make check payable to Como Friends. Please note in memo section - gift in memory of Lauren Winkler. Mail check to Como Friends 1225 Estabrook Dr. Saint Paul, MN 55103

Harvey Mudd College

Gifts can be made online https://www.hmc.edu/giving/ using the "Give Now" button. Donors will see a drop-down menu for Designation, and they should select "Other" and type "Lauren Winkler '14 Endowment." There is a box to complete for gifts made in honor or memoriam, so donors can fill in Lauren's name and class year there, as well.