Who was that tall, beautiful blonde? Our dearest, one-in-a-million Katie left this world and entered heaven on June 27, 2018, at about 5:00 am. Katie was the whole package, with poise, intelligence, compassion, beauty, presence, character, loyalty, generosity, etc.
, etc. In addition to her family, she loved God, life, people, Maui, Tahoe, sports, the Giants, nature, fashion, and the beach. She was both a doer and a giver.
She was the glue of her family and of whatever she undertook. A fierce competitor and intensely loyal to her employer Chevron, she reached a high level in management, bonding with many of her colleagues and making long lasting friendships – an accomplishment in which she took great pride. Katie lived her first couple of years in S.F., and then moved with her family to Contra Costa County.
She graduated from Christ the King Grammar School, Pleasant Hill, Carondelet High School, Concord, and then from St. Mary’s College, Moraga, in 1994, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Katie and her husband, Steven Winter, whom she married in 1996, lived in Walnut Creek for the past 20+ years where they were raising their two daughters. Katie was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and began her journey of treatment and of learning everything she could about the disease, becoming an “expert” and putting much of what she discovered into her own life style.
She refused to let cancer affect her life, never allowing it to slow her down. She continued her love of life, NEVER giving in. Katie was a leader, always smiling, laughing, encouraging, and inspiring those around her, in both her professional and personal life.
She was supported by her many fantastic friends, her devoted family, the many nurses at UCSF, and her favorite oncologist, all of whom she loved dearly. Katie was devoted to her husband Steven, and their two priceless daughters, Maddie and Bridget. She was the loving and cherished daughter of Paul and Rita Engler, who were privileged and honored to have her as their oldest child.
She is also survived by her sister Denise Engler Lynch (Jeff), brother Daniel Engler (Leah), nieces Emerald and Roslyn, aunts Phyllis Engler & Judy (Robert) Harms, uncle Dr. James Engler (Gail), and many cousins. A vigil will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill, 94523, at 7:30 pm on Sunday July 1, 2018. A funeral mass will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church at 1:00 pm on July 2, 2018.
Reception to follow at The Gardens at Heather Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek, 94598, beginning at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: “Winter Family Support” at gofundme.com, askican.org, or the American Cancer Society.
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