WINTERS, Eileen A
January 17, 2009 6:53 AM
Born Eileen Ann Schauder on November 3, 1924 in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Roosevelt High School, went on to attend Miami University in Ohio earning her B.F.A. at Drake University (in art) then to Colorado Springs, then Sarasota Ringling Brothers School of Art finishing with a master degree at Ohio State.
Eileen met Jonathan Winters while he was attending art school in Dayton, Ohio. They were married in 1948 and celebrated their 60 year anniversary on September 11, 2008.
She was a constant inspiration and emotional support throughout Jonathan's career, always being his most encouraging fan and devoted wife. She was also a loving mother to Jonathan Winters IV (Jay) and Lucinda Winters Varner and grandmother to Jonathan V (Jonno), Jonai Winters, Jonathan, Christian and Alexandra Varner.
She was a great supporter of the arts being a member of the Lobero Theatre, Assistance League and Santa Barbara Historical Society. She also raised money for cancer research having struggled with breast cancer herself for over 20 years.
She spent the happiest times of her life traveling the world, shopping, playing tennis into her 70's, gardening, going to lunch with her girlfriends and more shopping.
When questioned about politics, she said just this "when I first met Jon, I was very much a liberal but after only a handful of years did I become an arch conservative."
She will be remembered by all who knew her as the matriarch of the Winters' family. She had a great sense of humor, a sharp wit and a wisdom that held her family together. She was the strongest woman most of us will ever know.
She will be deeply missed and held in our hearts forever.
A private service will be held at the family home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Santa Barbara Cancer Center Research Department.
