Gwen Mary Winger

Gwen “Gay” Mary Winger, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28th at the age of 86. A proud lifelong resident of Coeur d’Alene, Gay was known for her love of family, her fierce competitive spirit, and her unwavering support of her children and grandchildren. Born on July 17, 1938, to Glenn and Irene Carlberg, Gay moved to Coeur d'Alene at the age of six. She loved to ride her bike around town, and was the first papergirl for the Coeur d'Alene Press. She often spent her time at Sanders Beach, Playland Pier, and Person Field. Gay always enjoyed being out and about, "tooling Sherman" whenever she got the chance. Gay was a proud graduate of Coeur d’Alene High School and later attended North Idaho College and Eastern Washington University, where she also played basketball. She often claimed (and many would agree) to be the best free-throw shooter in town. Gay would later serve as the head women's basketball coach at North Idaho College.

Gay met her husband Jim while out dancing in the summer of 1962. She was teaching in Vancouver, Washington at the time, but eventually returned to her hometown and the two married at St. Thomas Catholic Church. They then welcomed two sons together; Jim (1965) and Mike (1967).

Gay embraced every day with enthusiasm. She was an avid golfer, a devoted member of the Coeur d’Alene Golf Club’s ladies league, and a regular at Super 1’s morning coffee group, where many stories were shared. She also enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino to try her luck on the slots! Family was everything to Gay. She poured her heart into her children and grandchildren, showing up for every game, event, and holiday with love and pride. Her home was filled with pictures and newspaper clippings of her family, capturing memories from every stage of life. Her homemade fried chicken and potato salad were legendary, and her holiday gatherings were something to look forward to - decorated to the nines and full of warmth. 

Her family will always remember how generous she was to both her sons and grandkids. Gay was also the #1 fan of Lake City High School (boys basketball in particular) and a well-known fixture in the bleachers and around the school. She had an eye for fashion, always dressed with style and perfectly color-coordinated. She was known to carry $10 bills to hand out to her grandchildren and others, just because. Gay loved shopping for a good bargain, dancing at the Eagles (especially with her late husband Jim, with whom she won many contests), and laughing—always laughing. 

She loved her yellow lab, Teddy, country music, and rooting for Gonzaga basketball and the Mariners. She also became a regular at Mulligan's Bar and Grill and adored the staff there. Gay lived her life with grace, humor, and strength, always proud of her humble beginnings. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the joy she brought to those lucky enough to know her. She is survived by her two sons, Jim (Teri) and Mike (Ann), as well as her four grandchildren (Katie, JJ, Sue, and Michael Winger).

 A funeral service is not scheduled at this time. Please sign her guest registry. Arrangements by English Funeral Chapel.