Charlotte Elizabeth Gehlhaus Winchester, 77, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2014.

Charlotte was a special woman who gave generously to all those in her life. Her kind, caring and joyful spirit was filled with deep love, and those touched by her will always be changed and grateful. She was born in 1936 in Long Branch, New Jersey. She was a dedicated Navy wife, loving mother of four children: John "Jay" Winchester and wife Rayleen of Lancaster, CA.; Mary Catherine "Cathy" Corker of Beaverdam, Virginia; Erik Loux Winchester and wife Sylwia of Washington, D.C.; and Barbara Dulac, husband Ron of Vero Beach, Florida and Nanna to three grandchildren: Ashley Marie Corker, John Edward Quigley and Sybilla Irene Winchester.

Mrs. Winchester was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Warren Howey Winchester who died, April 12, 2014, her parents: Charles Edmund and Eva Gehlhaus and sister, Barbara Van Kirk. She is survived by three sisters: Marlene Morhbeck of Saint Point Lucie of Florida, Gretchen Wolfe of Vero Beach, Florida and Carolyn Williams of Chesapeake, Virginia; and numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Charlotte and Warren retired to Vero Beach, FL in 1983. For the next 30 years, alongside her husband she served the community of Vero Beach. Her experience as a Navy wife prepared her to continue serving others as Warren was elected to the Vero Beach City Council and served as Mayor. She regularly devoted her time and energy to Trinity Episcopal Church, VNA Hospice, and the Garden Club of Indian River County. Charlotte lived a full life by loving the Lord, her family, her community and country.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11am, on Saturday, November 22, 2014, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or Treasure Coast VNA Hospice 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, https://foundation.vnatc.com/. To share remembrances please go to www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.