Annette Winter Obituary

Annette Fabian Winter, a devout humanist and lover of the arts whose fearless determination and infectious charm made for a gigantic, unforgettable personality, passed away on July 20, 2025, in Encinitas, California. She was 89.

Despite a modest, overly-protective upbringing, Annette was as dynamic as they come: a defiant force of nature who broke cultural norms throughout her life and married a Black man in the 1960s without concern for the consequences; a drama teacher known for her irrepressible ebullience and passionate outbursts; a miracle worker who never balanced a checkbook but somehow managed to send her two sons to private secondary school and college on a teacher's salary; a self-published author with searing insight into the human condition; a born performer and extrovert who left her friends and acquaintances in stitches but tended to prefer being alone; an indefatigable worker who scorned laziness and boasted of never taking a nap in her life; a devotee of Hollywood and Broadway who insisted on listening to show tunes every night at dinner time; an intrepid traveler who criss-crossed the United States and Europe entirely on her own despite professing to have no sense of direction whatsoever.

Born on September 26, 1935, in New York City, Annette was the daughter of Walter and Sadie (Levy) Fabian. She spent her early childhood in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan before the family settled in Midwood, Brooklyn. Annette graduated from Midwood High School in 1953 and earned a degree in English from Brooklyn College in 1957. She pursued a career in education, becoming a dedicated teacher in the New York City public school system.

She met Walter Allan Winter, Jr, in Antigua and was immediately taken by his wondrous artistic talent. They returned to New York and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to get married at City Hall, in a tiny ceremony where the city clerk kept time on a metronome as other couples waited.

Annette and Walter had two sons, Jeffrey and Gregory, whom she raised with fiercely humanist values and a tireless work ethic, as well as an enduring connection to their father's family and Caribbean heritage. Their marriage ended in divorce.

After retiring from teaching, Annette moved to San Diego County, California, where she met her devoted longtime partner, Joel Hepner, who preceded her in death. She and Joel shared many joyful years traveling, participating in community theater, and watching their favorite shows at far too high a volume.

Annette is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Winter of Los Angeles and Gregory Winter of Brooklyn; her daughter-in-law, Monica Drake; and her beloved granddaughter, Josephine Drake Winter.

She will be remembered for her strength and for her vivaciousness.

A private memorial service will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a cause meaningful to you.