Poladay Winski Coggeshall

Poladay Winski Coggeshall

December 14, 1945 - February 3, 2026

Poladay Winski Coggeshall, an acclaimed sculptor, master gardener, and lifelong equestrian, passed away on February 3, 2026.

Born in San Angelo, TX on December 14, 1945, to Margaret and Sidney Winski, Pola's late teen years were marked by her striking beauty that led her to a career as a fashion and runway model for the Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas. However, it was her love of horses and artistic talent that would further define her legacy.

From a young age, Pola discovered her talent and profound love for sculpting and drawing horses. This passion evolved into a distinguished artistic career. In her late 20s, she began working with and was represented by the Shidoni Foundry in Tesuque, NM. Her work captured the raw motion and spirit of horses in the American West, earning her a place among the premier artists of her time. She is featured in the landmark book Contemporary Western Artists by Peggy and Harold Samuels, and her bronzes-including her masterwork, Heading South-are held in the permanent collection of the Forsyth Museum at Texas A&M University, and her work has also been exhibited at the Gilcrease Museum, the Philbrook Museum, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and the University of Missouri, Museum of Art & Archaeology.

Pola's creativity extended to the earth itself. A Certified Texas Nurseryman, she turned her talent for gardening into a successful business, specializing in the cultivation of Japanese Maples. Whether working in bronze or soil, she had a rare gift for nurturing beauty into existence.

An equestrian for her entire life, she continued to ride into her 70s. At age 72, she was even riding mules into the heart of the Grand Canyon alongside her daughter, Lana. Her belief in the power of always learning and growth was further evidenced by her dedication to music; she took up the violin at age 50 and the piano at 60, proving that her mind remained as vibrant as her art.

Pola was also a woman of strong conviction and service. Politically active throughout her life, she lent her energy to the campaigns of Ann Richards, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Beto O'Rourke. Her compassion was further evidenced by her dedicated volunteer work with Meals on Wheels and through the Catholic Diocese of Dallas - Prison Ministries, providing support and a voice for the incarcerated.

She was the wife of Howard Coggeshall Jr., whom she met while attending the University of North Texas and the devoted and loving mother of Lon Coggeshall and Lana Coggeshall. She was a proud grandmother to Holden Coggeshall, Lane Coggeshall, Hadley Coggeshall, Aidan Barker, Rhys Barker, and Elliot Barker and Aunt/Great Aunt to her nieces, Margaret Silva and Zoe Sanchez and sister of Sidney Sanchez. She is preceded in death by her beloved sister Lana Winski and her husband Howard.

In memoriam of Pola's generous spirit, her family suggests that those wishing to honor her memory simply give cash to any unhoused person they may encounter

Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.