Obituary of Audrey Winkler

Audrey Winkler passed away peacefully with her loving daughter by her side on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Morristown Medical Center. She had shared 77 years of unconditional love, tenacious spirit, and gentle nature with family and friends.

Born in Newark to the late James and Agnes Skidmore, Audrey was the only daughter of four children to bless their household. Audrey was raised alongside her brothers in Belleville, NJ. After graduating from Belleville High School in 1964, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Upsala College with a major in Social Services and a minor in Spanish. Audrey was a smart woman and she loved books. After a short time working as a Librarian in West Orange, she married Frank Melick in 1968 and they settled into West Orange to begin a family of their own. After becoming a full-time Mom to two kids and a divorce, Audrey found herself in her new career. She made a very successful career for herself as a Social Worker for Northampton County Social Services in PA. In 2003, she met her soulmate, John Winkler. They married in 2006 and spent too few years together but made each moment count, appreciating arts, seeing shows, and sharing good food with great people.

Audrey would never boast; however, she was wonderfully fluent in Spanish. She was passionate about everything Spanish ~ the language, the culture, the food, and especially, the people! She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her Spanish Club, going on adventures and learning at museums. Her guilty pleasures included playing Solitaire and the Casino’s playing penny and nickel slots. She also loved swimming and spending time at the ocean. Audrey was an original “Hippie”, tree hugger in the best possible way.  She loved animals, peace, and good music. The next time you adopt a cat or listen to Jim Croce or Joni Mitchell please know that Audrey will be shining down, smiling over you.

Above anything else, family was the most important thing in her life and although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband, John, her parents, James and Agnes, and her brother, Robert Reed. Also, her animal friends Piper Laurie (dog) and her Kitties, Mon- Chat, Tommy Tunes, and Max.

She leaves joyful memories with her sister from another mister, LeeAnna L. Golden; and Lee’s daughter Sara as well as her loving children, Michele Gounaud and her husband Donroy of Denville, Frank M. Melick and his wife Trish of Newton; her caring step-children, Beth Arancibia and her husband Carlos, Ben Winkler and his wife Dusty Reyes, Jeremy Winkler and his wife Rachel, as well as her grandchildren, Devan, Alexis, and Austin Gounaud, Jake, Scarlett, and Danika Melick, Owen, Jonah, and Maximiliano Arancibia, and Luke and David Winkler; in addition her two remaining brothers, James and Gerald Skidmore; and her friend Shelly as well as her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Monday, January 29^th from 3 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, January 30^th at 10 am at the Funeral Home. Audrey will be laid to rest privately with her husband, John, in Resurrection Cemetery in Allentown, PA. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted in Audrey's memory to either Make-A-Wish Foundation of America or St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, or share your favorite memory of Audrey here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine on.