January 08, 1933 - February 15, 2011

We already miss her perfect penmanship and witty letters...

Age 78. Born January 8, 1933 in Liberty Missouri. Passed away February 15, 2011 in Seattle Washington, with her family by her side, sons Mark and Phillip Endicott, and daughter Suzanne Niemela. Winnie was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Edna Groves and her cherished cat, Sami. Survived by, son-in-law Glenn Niemela, daughter-in-law Quita Endicott, and adored grandchildren Collin Niemela, and Kyleigh Endicott. She enjoyed life, art, and her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Following several years of exciting travels while being stationed in Heidelberg, Germany with her former husband, Bill Endicott. Winnie was happy to settle in Manhattan, Kansas (the ‘Little Apple’) to raise her three children. She returned to school to get an advanced degree and formal education at Kansas State University graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Education and a Masters in Counseling & Guidance. She continued to work extensively with children and young people both in schools and as the Executive Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also surprised friends and her family by taking an interest in acting, performing in several civic theatre productions including Neil Simon’s The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Arsenic and Old Lace, and The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer.

While in Manhattan she was committed to her friends and neighbor-friends and always willing to pour a glass of wine or open a beer to catch up and talk about life. Continuing to stay in touch with high school friends from Liberty Class of 51 and buddies she had met along the way, was always important to her. We already miss her perfect penmanship and witty letters.

Winnie later worked for Intracorp in Shawnee Mission, KS as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist which began an extensive and dedicated career as a rehabilitation counselor eventually working for CorVel Corp, in Everett, Washington, Concentra Managed Care, and Strategic Consulting Services until October of 2010 when she decided to retire.

After her three children had grown and moved to various locations across the U.S., Winnie decided in 1994 to join her son Phillip Endicott and moved to the Pacific Northwest, eventually living in her final home in Edmonds, WA.

Winnie struggled with chronic lung disease and Emphysema later in her life, but didn’t let it keep her from being active socially. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her son’s artistic interests, volunteering countless hours as a founding board member of the Velvet Elvis Arts Lounge Theatre in Pioneer Square in Seattle. She also volunteered with several nonprofit organizations including Chicken Soup Brigade, On the Boards performing arts center, Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Planned Parenthood of Seattle.

Winnie was an avid animal lover and had recently adopted a toy poodle (Bianca) from the Old Dog Haven in Western Washington, a shelter for neglected older dogs. Bianca and her two cats Callie and Sami were an important part of her life, and helped to center her during difficult times.

She also enjoyed reading (and was an frequent visitor to Half Price Books), movies, plays, stimulating conversation with friends, and spending time with her family, Mark and Quita in Eugene, Phillip in Seattle, and Suzanne and Glen in Mill Creek and her much loved grandkids, Collin and Kyleigh. She was also a member of Single Sixties where she met many valued friends who became important pals to share a cocktail, a movie, or a glass or red wine over ice.

Winnie was an inspiration and friend to many, and will be will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and our lives will be less colorful without her presence.

DONATIONS

Donations may be made to The Old Dog Havenof Western WA, the Sierra Club, or the Seattle Humane Society.

Memorial

"In April the sweet showers fall

And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all
The veins are bathed in liquor of such power
As brings about the engendering of the flower."

--G. Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales