Susan (Glenda) Kathleen Winson

Susan Glenda Winson died September 20, 2024 at the age of seventy-six, after a long battle with myotonic dystrophy. Born in Newport, South Wales, Glenda attended university in Birmingham, England where she graduated with a First in Social Services. She came to New York City in 1992, emigrated to the United States, and as a cardiac nurse helped advance important studies in the treatment of both AIDS and heart disease.

Dr. Mark Sherrid, Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program at NYU recalls:

"Glenda came to us from the gastroenterology department of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital where she worked under Dr. Peter Holt and Dr. Donald Kotler. There she cared for patients with AIDS who had gastrointestinal complications. Glenda worked as a valued nurse practitioner colleague of mine in the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Program of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital from approximately 2002 to 2012. We saw 1500 patients with the condition. She played an essential role in the growth of our program. Besides compassionate, thorough and informed patient care, Glenda actively participated in research and education of both nurses and physicians. She was an author on 21 scientific papers, mainly focused on HCM in the leading cardiologic journals. She also wrote articles for nurses in Nursing Times and the British Journal of Nursing, offering career perspectives for young graduates as well as reviews of the gastrointestinal complications of AIDS. Glenda was one tough nurse, never backing down from a challenge, never losing her cool, and always sensitive to the needs of our patients and her colleagues. That such resilience and fortitude resided in such a small package was always a revelation. She suffered from myotonic dystrophy and severe cataracts that compromised her vision, yet she rarely missed a day of work. It wasn't until she largely lost her vision that she retired."

Glenda's marriage to Tony Winson ended in divorce. After her retirement and until her illness made it too difficult, she and friend Ken Chase travelled extensively, and devoted time to West End Collegiate Church, where she was an active and beloved member. Reverend Kenneth Gorsuch, long-time pastor of the church, described her as "strong-willed, courageous, uncomplaining about infirmities, gracious and attentive to her friends and family, a bright, grateful spirit."

Glenda is survived by her brother Michael Hunt and mourned by many who remember her good will and kindness.