Stephanie Gomez Winebrenner

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Gomez Winebrenner (September 16, 1945 - March 15, 2024). Stephanie left us suddenly on Friday, March 15 while visiting family in Bogotá. It was a beautiful day and she was her usual joyful self until the very end. Stephanie was in so many ways a unicorn. Born in the Midwest at the end of World War II, she was unique in her ability to remain steady and grounded, espousing so many of those Midwestern values where hard work, dedication to family and a no-nonsense approach to life prevail; while also exhibiting a profound sense of curiosity, adventure & openness. She left home at 16 and moved to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago, where she met the love of her life, Aníbal. Together, they moved to Colombia and built a full life of strong family ties and close friendships that continue to this day. Stephanie was the most fearless, determined, warm, kind, elegant and empathetic person we knew. She had strong roots but also powerful wings that led her to take a number of leaps of faith during her life, moving to a country she had never visited and whose language and customs she didn't know; starting her own business (and delighting us all with her famous chocolate chip cookies); running her father's business after his death (becoming a die-hard Hawkeyes fan along the way); and traveling the world later in life. But to us, she was simply Mom, Grandma, Suegrit. She built our family, brought us all together and always did so with an open heart. She was, and always will be, our true North. She will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives she touched. Stephanie is survived by her sister Diana; her children Cristina, Patricia, Miguel & Carolina; daughter-in-law Johana; sons-in-law Luis Enrique, Luis Eduardo & Corey; grandkids Juan Felipe, Esteban, Nicolás, Tomás, Santiago, Camila, Lucas & Sofía; nieces & nephews. Memorial services took place in Bogotá, Colombia on March 22. Online condolences may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.