In Memory of Past Auxiliary and Alliance Presidents

Remembering Shirley Winn

Sept. 26,1924 – Nov. 18, 2010

Shirley Winn, CMAA 1981-82 President:

“Shirley was a true leader — organized and inspirational, with a wonderful sense of humor. I knew her from the California Medical Association Alliance — she gave me my first board position — together we toured the state giving speech workshops to future CMAA leaders — what fun! She added so much to my life and to all of those around her. We will miss her.”
Ann Hansen, Past CMAA President, Past AMAA President:

“I always will remember Shirley with love and respect she guided me for many years while she was active in the California Medical Association Alliance in those days the auxiliary. As a new member in the auxiliary and later as a State Board member her warm smile always made feel welcome. She was my mentor!!!!
I will always remember her with love and admiration for all her work and achievements.”
Monique Pineda, Past CMAA President

“Shirley brought joy to all of us for all of our many get-togethers. She was a great friend and all past CMAA presidents have missed her through the years of meetings of the Feather Dusters. To say goodbye to Shirley and to Dean is sad because the Winns were unique, talented, brilliant individuals.”
Marilyn Warrens, Past CMAA President

“We will miss your exuberant smile and joyous attitude. My condolences to your large and loving family. God Bless you all. Suzanne J. a member of the CMAA Feather Dusters”
Suzanne Jackson, Past CMAA President

“Shirley was state president when I was county president so I knew her very well and loved being with her. It was a great CMAA beginning for me and may have been the reason I stayed for so long. She was an amazing role model.”
Jan Goza, CMAA Member

Shirley and I had many joyous times traveling together for the Calif.Medical Assn Alliance. I always admired her creativity, wisdom and sense of humor. The CMAA was strengthened and blessed to have had her leadership. My sympathy to her wonderful family for their loss.
Abbie Eldredge, Past CMAA President

I was a young bride of 4 years when my husband and I moved to Davis. I joined the Medical Society Auxiliary and met so many great women. Shirley was always a hoot—the best story she told was about the time they left one of the kids who was 3 at the time, behind at a gas station in Texas and it took about 1 1/2 hours to figure out they were missing one! I so enjoyed Shirley as everyone did. I consider myself lucky to have known her.
Sincerely,
Mimi McMahon, Past Auxiliary County member

Shirley Winn loved life. She was a devoted wife to her husband Dean, and dedicated mother to their seven children and 12 grandchildren. She also had a passion and zest for adventure, community and service. She laughed heartily and inspired many. With her indomitably cheerful spirit and her can-do attitude, she made the seemingly impossible possible. She and Dean traveled the world over including trips to Russia, China, North Yemen, India, Pakistan Himalayas, Africa, Australia, and South America. Her sparkle lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Shirley was born on Sept. 26, 1924 in Port Arthur, Texas, and died on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010. While living in New Orleans, she graduated from McMan High School and Newcomb College of Tulane University as a psychologist at age 18. She was a psychology instructor at the University of Northern Carolina and the University of Wisconsin for three years while pursuing her doctorate. She chose to marry Dean Winn, then a Harvard Medical School student, rather than completing her doctorate. They were married in 1948 and were together in life for 58 years.

During her “psychological life,” Shirley worked in market research in New York City, and as a therapist in Hartford, Conn., Cleveland and Boston. She retired to her “family life” at the birth of the first of her seven children and became a full-time mother. Later she was a Cub Scout leader for five years and helped four sons become Eagle Boy Scouts. After six terms as PTA President, she was made a lifetime PTA member; she was President of American Foreign Student Exchange program and President of Children’s Home Society, Hospital Auxiliary, Yolo Medical Assn. Auxiliary and Sacramento Licensed Women Pilots Assn. She later became president of the 10,000-member California Medical Association, the district governor of Rotary Wives and the Governor of SW Section (six states) of the Women Pilots Assn.

She was a registered parliamentarian, member of Toastmasters and acted in many Little Theatre plays.

When her family grew up, Shirley became an avid pilot and was elected Woman Pilot of the Year 1977. She became a race pilot and flew in 36 air races, including the legendary Powder Puff Derby and several international races. She served 16 years on the Yolo County Aviation Advisory Committee, six years on the California Aviation Advisory, was an FAA Safety Councilor, a board member of the California Aviation Council, member of the Yolo County Sheriffs’ Air Squadron and, in 1984, was honored by being placed in the Aviation Forrest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas.

She is survived by her children, Peter Winn of Grand Junction, Colo., David Winn of Paris, France, Michael Winn of Ashville, N.C., Steven Winn of Fairfield, Iowa, Christopher Winn of Newberg, Ore., Robin Winn of Point Reyes Station, CA, and Heidi Winn of Fairfield, Iowa; as well as 12 grandchildren; her sisters, Jerry Fulton and Rommie Jean Behrens; and a brother Tully Liddell.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rogue Valley Manor Foundation or a favorite charity. A service celebrating her life will held in Medford, Ore., at the Rogue Valley Manor Sunrise Room at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4.

Published in Daily Democrat on December 1, 2010

If you wish to send a remembrance in Shirley’s name, you might consider honoring her by making a donation to the CMA Alliance Foundation in her name.