Meryl Anne Winnikoff
Meryl was born at Southside Hospital in Bayshore, Long Island, New York in 1962 and passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children and husband in Santa Barbara, California on the morning of August 11, 2018. Meryl was predeceased by her sister Stephanie and her two parents, Connie and Joseph. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Marc, children, Jacob and Sophia, and her brothers, Mark (Irene), Mitchell (Victoria) and David (Elizabeth) and many nieces and nephews.
After growing up in Babylon, Long Island, Meryl struck out west and came to California at the age of eighteen. She worked in finance, banking and real estate development while simultaneously earning her degree in Business and Economics from Cal State Northridge. After college, Meryl worked as a project manager for a development company and handled many projects, including Colorado Place in Santa Monica, Hotel Nikko in Beverly Hills, and Parc Telegraph in San Francisco. While sending a package at Fedex in 1990, Meryl met the love of her life, Marc. They were married two years later.
Meryl, Marc and family moved to Santa Barbara in 1996. Upon arrival Meryl immediately became involved in her new community. She served as president of the Cold Spring School Board as well as president of the school Foundation. She worked tirelessly as a parent volunteer in various capacities at both Crane and Cate Schools. She was involved in the Congregation B’nai Brith program to make and serve dinners for Transition House. Meryl was an active member of the Knowlwood Tennis Club and played on the club team. She also worked with her husband, Marc, managing the design, renovation and construction of various residential properties in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Monterey counties.
The devotion and love Meryl demonstrated to her family and friends is a testament to her legacy that love conquers all. Meryl always took time to listen and understand those around her, then give them the support they needed. Whoever was a guest in her home felt that they were in a friendly place, a safe haven away from the bustling world beyond. To be in her presence was to enjoy a special place where you were always cared for and the center of attention. [JR1] Through superhuman effort, she balanced her roles as daughter, wife, and mother with grace. While she will be missed dearly by her family and friends, her memory will persist as a vibrant and vital force in all of us. She will continue to speak to us as we live on to fulfill her greatest wishes of love, health, hope, happiness and togetherness.
Meryl’s care was often difficult and complicated. We would like to thank Drs. Kass, Klempner, Kearney, the Visiting Nurses, and caretakers for their thoughtful and attentive care. The family also wants to thank Rabbis Naomi Levy and Steven Cohen, and Cantor Mark Childs for their spiritual guidance. Innumerable friends gave Meryl and her family great comfort and strength during the difficult period of her illness. We are forever grateful for this.
“If you do anything to honor my memory,
it’s doing anything to help someone:
listening to someone,
making someone feel better,
helping someone feel valued and loved for who they are.” – Meryl Anne Winnikoff
In lieu of flowers, donations in Meryl’s name may be made to Direct Relief International, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, or Transition House.