Obituary of Arvada Jean Winward

Arvada Winward passed away on March 22nd at home, after a long battle with COPD, she was 91. Her children visited with her before saying goodbye for her eternal rest, to be with her beloved husband Gail. Arvada was born in Portland, Oregon on May 10th, 1929. She was the daughter of Elsie Mae & George William Voboril. She attended Commerce High school in Portland and was a member of the HS Band, she played the clarinet. It was there she met other students in a band competition Doc Stevens & Jane Powell who would later become a famous musician and actress. Arvada met her husband Gail on a blind date, and they married shortly thereafter. They were married for 56 years before Gail’s passing in 2001. She was a housewife and worked as a Pharmacist Tech for many years. In the mid 70’s Gail had the opportunity to work in Oahu Hawaii. Arvada often said the year she spent in “The Islands” was one of the best years of her life. When they returned to Portland, Arvada became an active member of St. Teresa Church in Portland. When she was in her late 60’s and early 70’s, she enjoyed her work as a Eucharistic Minister working with Fr. Nicholas Nilema (her adoptive son). They would take communion to parishioner in nursing homes who were unable to attend Mass at the church. After Gail passed, Arvada moved to Milwaukie and became a member of Holy Family Church. She and her daughter, deAnn, were members of the church’s Rosary Makers, they made rosary’s to give to parishes in East Africa. She was preceded in death by her husband Gail and her daughter Susan. She is survived by her other children: deAnn, Doug, Mike, Mary, Debi and Cathy; 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and 1 on the way. She will be missed greatly. The Rosary will be held on April 5th at Sunnyside Little Chapel of the Chimes between 1-5pm. A celebration of life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church April 6th at 1:00 pm. She will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery next to her husband Gail, the following day.