Judith Shirley “Judy” Winkel (née Manning), age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Barbara on May 12, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Born on April 1, 1942, in Harrow, England, to Albert and Maria “Lil” Manning, Judy’s early life was shaped by the resilience of wartime Britain, spending her earliest years in an air raid shelter.

At the age of 17, it was decided Judy would journey to America to live with her sister Sheila. Boarding the Queen Mary for the transatlantic crossing, Judy stepped into a new chapter, and quickly decided that once she arrived, she was never going back.

Judy’s life was defined by her unwavering love and fierce loyalty to her family.

She was the beloved wife of John Winkel and the devoted mother of Elizabeth “Liz” Christen (Jack) and Jannele Gonzales (James).

Adoringly known as “the best Grammy,” Judy found her greatest joy in her grandchildren: Livia and Riley Christen, and Mason and Jacob Gonzales.

She rarely missed a water polo or soccer game, always serving as their biggest cheerleader. Judy also held a special place in her heart for her niece Lindy Hoffee.

Judy was reunited in peace with her parents Albert and Maria Manning; sister Sheila Hoffee; husband Jack; and sister-in-law Ruth Erickson.

Judy’s hands were rarely still. Her talents for knitting and sewing were acts of love that reflected her nurturing spirit. An enthusiastic traveler, she embraced new places and cultures with curiosity and joy.

Judy was also a passionate genealogist, spending countless hours at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, tracing her family roots back through centuries.

Closer to her heart, Judy poured her compassion into coordinating adoptions and foster placements for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, ensuring vulnerable dogs found loving homes.

A woman of remarkable strength, Judy spent the last 12 years of her life courageously battling mesothelioma. Her determination to fight was fueled entirely by her desire to secure more precious time with her family and friends.

Through every challenge, she remained deeply caring, fiercely loyal, witty, and full of grac — a true testament to the indomitable spirit that defined her.

Judy’s legacy is one of boundless love, resilience and devotion. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.

A small gathering to celebrate Judy’s beautiful life will be held by the family.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Cameron at UCLA, Dr. Newman at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, and the many dedicated in-home caregivers who honored Judy’s wish to remain comfortably “at home.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Judy’s honor to Cavalier Rescue USA.

Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again.