GREEN VALLEY, AZ—Suzanne Chase Winters, 95, died Sunday, September 6, at home in Green Valley, Arizona. Affectionately known as Suzi, she was born on March 14, 1931, near Richmond. She lived a full and remarkable life defined by her love of family, her creativity and curiosity about people, and an ability to find beauty and joy in the world around her.
Suzi found the love of her life in Doug Winters. Their 52-year marriage was filled with companionship, adventure and travel. They enjoyed boating and cruising, made homes in Virginia, Florida and Ohio, and explored much of the world together. Above all, they cherished the joy of life side by side.
Suzi was a devoted mother to her two children, Rebecca Cox, former senior staff to the President of the United States and senior vice president of Continental Airlines, and Michael Gernhardt, former NASA astronaut and professional deep-sea diver. Suzi’s unwavering belief in her children gave them the confidence to pursue extraordinary paths and the resilience to meet whatever challenges came their way. She was also a loving grandmother to Charles, Katie, Kevin, Sarah, Emily and Brett; and a proud great-grandmother to Dot.
Many of the family’s happiest memories were made at Townley, the farmhouse owned by Suzi’s uncle, Flex Chase, in the Northern Neck. There, Suzi, her children, and later her grandchildren, spent treasured summers surrounded by the extended Chase family and beloved relatives throughout the Kilmarnock area.
The homes and spaces Suzi loved naturally became gathering places for family and friends. Artistic and creative, Suzi had a natural eye for design, color and flowers. She had a talent for creating beautiful, welcoming spaces and brought warmth and character to everyday life through her homes, gardens and floral arrangements.
She also had an extraordinary love of animals. Over the years, her extended family included an unconventional menagerie of horses, dogs, cats, a crow, a pet pig and even a llama. For Suzi, the distinction between family and animals was often happily blurred.
Suzi passed away peacefully at home, with loved ones by her side. She leaves behind generations of memories, laughter, stories and the love she gave so freely to others.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis S. Chase and Sue Wilbourne Chase; and her brothers, Frank Chase and Jim Chase.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Doug Winters; his children, Sherri, Karen and Bud; her son, Mike Gernhardt; her daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Chris Cox; her grandchildren, Charles, Katie and Kevin Cox, Sarah Argueta, Emily Mallette and Brett Winters; her great-granddaughter, Dot Argueta; as well as the many family members and friends whose lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
