Carole Winkler

Carole Winkler, born on July 6, 1940, in New York City, went to sleep peacefully in hospice care in Pensacola, Florida, surrounded by her beloved family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and her life was a testament to the power of love, sacrifice, and unwavering support for those she cherished.

For the first 30 years of her life, Carole lived in New York, until she met her charming prince, Andy. Andy has often told the story about how they met, saying he looked for the prettiest lady in the bowling alley, and said that is the one I am going to talk to. Carole was an independent woman and he had to dazzle her with his smile and witty sense of humor. In 1970, they got married and decided to pack up their lives for a new adventure in Fort Lauderdale, anticipating the joys of parenthood. Carole was devoted to her family and selflessly prioritized her children’s interest in whatever they wanted to do. They opened their home in Wilton Manors to friends and extended family, and created a space filled with laughter, warmth, and genuine affection. Still to this day, friends comment on how mom made our house the place where everyone wanted to hang out, and we had countless sleepovers and pool parties where everyone was invited. Mom and Dad had a natural ability to make all who entered feel like they were part of the family. The friends they met when they first moved to Fort Lauderdale back in 1970 are still their friends to this day.

Carole had a talent for creating beauty in everything from her clothing to her ever-coordinated hats and bathing suits. When she arrived at the tennis courts everyone always wanted to see what she was wearing. She loved their tennis family from Wilton Manors to Sebastian and Vero Beach. She embodied a glamorous spirit that brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. She loved gardening and Dad always accommodated her by building garden areas for her plants and vegetables. Mom learned from her mom how to sew and was always pouring her creativity into making gifts for others.

In 2002, they moved to Vero Beach where Dad built a beautiful house for them. They continued to play tennis, socialize, and travel, visiting friends all over the United States and Europe. After moving to a retirement community in Sebastian, one of Mom’s favorite activities was going to the pool for exercise and socializing. She also loved the Melbourne Zoo and was especially fond of the giraffes who equally showed her much attention. They were her special animal although she loved the dogs and cats she had over the years as well, from Peanuts, Cashew and Teddy Bear to Rusty and Winky.

Carole leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will resonate in the hearts of her surviving family: her devoted husband, Andrew Winkler; her daughter Alyson Carlson and son-in-law Kevin Carlson; her son Drew Winkler and daughter-in-law Brigette Winkler; and her grandchildren, Trevor and Bryce Carlson, and Easton and Brodie Winkler. She is also survived by her sisters Judy (and Joe) Smaldone and Susan (and John) Lohse, and many other relatives and friends who love her and will miss her greatly.

Carole is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles and Jeanne Warwick, her sister Linda Sparaco, and her brother Charlie Warwick.

We are grateful for the time shared with her and all the beautiful memories. She will be sorely missed but forever remembered. We love you!