Winniefred Lillian Medrano

Winnie Medrano, 95 (almost), passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

She was born September 28, 1930, in Pua, Chile, to Colina Cameron Contreras and Eduardo Contreras.

At nineteen, Winnie and her beloved Pete left Chile for the United States, a country they grew to love and make their own. Together, they built a rich life filled with a loving family, surrounded by friends and filling their years with social gatherings, travel, and time with their daughters and grandchildren.

Winnie was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Medrano. She is survived by her brothers, Alister Contreras and Juan Contreras; her three daughters, Susan Medrano, Daisy Almegard, and Patty Wilson (with husband Steve Wilson); her grandchildren, Nicole Estebanell (with Chris Walsh), Lauren Adams (with Joe Adams), Lee Almegard (with Anil Sarda), Shelby Almegard, Natalie Falkowski (with Nick Falkowski), Colin Hibbert (with Gabby Hibbert), and Brenna Wilson; and her great-grandchildren, Seve and Luca Adams, and Sophie Falkowski.

She is also remembered with gratitude by her devoted caregivers Mercedes De la Cruz, Dalia Valentin, Marcia Romero, and the staff at Vitas and the Cove.

Throughout her life, she poured her energy into teaching, supporting Pete’s work, and later running The Total You, a day spa in Valdosta, Georgia. Her work and passions took many forms, yet she brought the same elegance and determination to each.

She found peace in her garden, company in her birds, and comfort in the books she always kept nearby. She and Pete loved to travel, but she was happiest when surrounded by family. She loved to host, and her gatherings were unforgettable — full of food, music, and laughter that carried late into the night.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valdosta Animal Shelter, where she rescued “Kissy,” her cherished Shih Tzu, or to the Florida Immigration Law and Justice Center, both causes close to her heart.

Valdosta Animal Shelter https://www.lowndescounty.com/343/Make-a-Donation

Florida Immigration Law and Justice Center https://floridailj.org/donate/

A memorial service will be held in Jacksonville Beach, Fl on Nov 8, 2025 from 4-7 pm at The Refinery 831 1st St North Jax Beach, with burial in Pua, Chile.

She leaves behind not only her family, but a legacy of resilience and curiosity.

The owl with its knowing, the heron in flight,

She cherished their presence by day and by night

Now when they gather in garden or sky,

We’ll see her among them, we’ll know she is nigh.