Karen Michelle Winston Wilson

Karen Michelle Winston Wilson’s journey began August 16, 1961, at the Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington D.C. The family who loved Karen from childhood and nurtured her into adulthood included her parents, Richard and the late Barbara Winston, and three brothers, Richard Winston Jr., Todd Winston and Randall Winston. The family who loved the remarkable woman Karen became included her soulmate and beloved husband, Paul Wilson, her daughter, Della Wilson and a collection of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews who brought joy to Karen’s life.

At an early age, Karen demonstrated that she had followed in her father’s footsteps, exhibiting an aptitude for running track. She would go on to excel in basketball and volleyball as well. While enjoying the sense of belonging that sports brought to her life as her family moved around the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, she discovered her other passion: art. Karen derived great enjoyment from the hours she spent drawing and writing poetry. Her reward was the response she received after giving something handmade and heartfelt. One early example was when, as a young girl, Karen was inspired to write a poem about Brian Piccolo, having been profoundly moved by the film “Brian’s Song.” Barbara Winston, Karen’s mother, sent the poem to Brian Piccolo’s widow. Karen received a warm, personal letter, thanking her for the kindness.

Karen graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in advertising and graphic arts. She put her degree to use by working as an advertising account executive at J. Walter Thompson and later running several sales territories for the McDonald’s Corporation. Karen was a star professional just as she had been a star athlete. She was witty, upbeat and lived her life with grace and dignity, rarely complaining or slowed down by the enormous health challenges she surmounted brought on by Lupus.

Karen spent the last twenty-one years married to the love of her life, Paul Wilson, and mother to Della Wilson. Karen took great pride in her many accomplishments, but perhaps found the most pleasure and fulfilment in her roles as wife and mother. Karen passed on the morning of June 25, 2019. Her passing leaves an enormous hole in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Karen Michelle Winston Wilson’s memorial and life celebration will be September 4th at The Breakers Hotel Palm Beach.

The family asks that you consider making a donation in Karen’s honor at the Lupus Foundation of America:

Https://support.lupus.org/goto/karen