Wednesday July 30, 2025; blessed with a great life of 90 years, 9 months and 9 days; Beloved wife of the late George A. Winkeler. Dear mother of Sharon (Martin) Sauer, George (Jennifer) Winkeler Jr. and Michael (Nancy) Winkeler. Dear grandmother of Michael Jr., Samuel (Paige), Madeline and Marion. Our dear sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) Friday August 22, 9:00 a.m. to Holy Infant Catholic Church for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Entombment Mt. Hope Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/ appreciated. Visitation Thursday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Mom lived a truly fulfilling life for 90 years, 9 months, and 9 days – a span that, as we discovered in the quiet hours after her passing, carried a profound spiritual resonance. This repeating 9’s feels like a gentle message from above, guiding us through our grief and reminding us of the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
In the days following her departure, we sought comfort and found meaning in the repeating 9’s. Numbers often carry divine messages, and repeating 9’s, like 999, are said to be signs from angels, signaling the completion of a significant chapter. How fitting this is for Mom, who held angels so close to her heart. For as long as we can remember, her homes were adorned with a cherished collection of angel figurines, each one a testament to her belief in guardian angels watching over us. On her wall hung angel wings, a symbol of protection and love that seemed to embrace all who entered her space. She often spoke of “the protector”, St Michael the Archangel and guardian angels. We now feel their presence, protecting us against spiritual and physical harm, comforting us in this moment of loss and guiding her soul.
The number 9 speaks to closure and transformation – a call to let go with love and prepare for new beginnings. Mom’s life was a testament to this cycle of completion and renewal. Even in her final weeks, as she faced three hospital stays in July, she carried her strength and joy to one last, meaningful moment: attending a baby shower on July 19th to celebrate the anticipated arrival of her first great-grandchild. Within two weeks of her passing, on August 13th, that precious child, Henry Louis Winkeler was born. In this beautiful alignment, we see the repeating 9’s come to life – the end of Mom’s earthly journey giving way to the beginning of a new soul in our family.
Mom’s love for angels and her faith in their guidance feel like a bridge between these moments. It’s as if her guardian angels, who watched over her for 90 years, 9 months, and 9 days, now extend their wings to protect little Henry, carrying her love forward into this new life. Her legacy lives on not only in Henry but in all of us – her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit.
As we say goodbye, we hold fast to the meaning of those repeating 9’s: an end, yes, but also a new beginning. We imagine Mom’s soul taking flight, her angel wings soaring, surrounded by the guardian angels she so deeply believed in. And we welcome Henry with the same love she gave us, knowing her spirit watches over him. To Mom, we say “Godspeed” on your sacred journey home. To Henry, we say “Godspeed” as you begin your life, wrapped in her love and the light of her angels.
Mom, your life was a gift, your love a treasure, and your faith a guiding star. We will carry you in our hearts always, and through the new beginnings that follow, we know you are with us, forever our guardian angel.