Barbara WINNER

Barbara Winner (age 82) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, October 16th (her late husband's birthday), after a battle with colon cancer. She was born November 18th, 1942, in Tacoma, WA, to Albert and Agnes Marano. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Larry, and her brother, Eugene Marano; and is survived by her four children, Angela, Lara, Katherine, and Andrew; son-in-law, Ajay Narayanan; grandson, Aidan Narayanan; and her brother, William Marano.

Barbara attended Aquinas Academy in Tacoma, WA, and then Gonzaga University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. After working for companies like Weyerhauser and the Associated Press, Barbara went on to raise four kids and could be a formidable force in advocating for her family's interests. In the tradition of her Italian ancestors, Barbara maintained a backyard garden, canning most of its tomatoes for the Marano family spaghetti sauce. She was also a prolific quilter and had a picture framing business.

She volunteered with many organizations, such as the PTA, PBS, and the Southside Food Pantry, winning recognition from the Spokane Youth Symphony and SHIBA (the state health insurance board). She also helped with the 1999-2001 of Lewis & Clark High School, in particular the restoration of its pipe organ.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, on Thursday, October 30th, at 2 pm, with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at Queen of Peace Cemetery, on Friday, October 31st, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southside Food Pantry via Southside Christian Church (www.southsidespokane.org/give - click the "Fellowship One" button and select 'Food Pantry') or Catholic Charities (www.cceasternwa.org). Barbara's online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org.