Remembering Deborah Ann Van Winkle
My name is Cathy and I purchased this bracelet in honor of my dad and aunt. When my dad passed in March 2026, we were working on getting a headstone for his baby sister who passed as an infant in 1956. I grew up hearing about her and the impact she had on him. His parents moved frequently during that time with my grandpa’s Navy service. My dad wasn’t sure where she was buried or how to find out but he knew my grandparents were not able to afford a headstone at the time. In early 2026, I was building my tree on ancestry and came across her obituary in the Daily Herald which shared she was buried at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City. I called to confirm and started getting information on how we could add a headstone after 70 years. My dad was so happy and relieved to finally know. He was the last living relative who knew her during her life and he was afraid of her never getting a headstone if he didn’t do it. He was hopeful we could have one before the 70th anniversary of her passing in April but production time pushed it out to the summer. We then started planning a road trip from San Diego to Salt Lake for her birthday on July 25th. Sadly, he passed unexpectedly before we could finish it together. I promised him I would make sure it was done and his baby sister memory was honored as he hoped for. I am now flying from San Diego to Salt Lake solo to be there to see her headstone and celebrate her birthday and the love that continues for her here on earth. I purchased this bracelet in the airport and it carries extra meaning with the tag number of 19548, my dad was born in 1954 so it felt like a symbol of his presence on this journey. I am planning to gift it on her birthday while I am in Salt Lake and I’m excited to see where it goes and how her story and legacy continues to make ripples of love, kindness and connection. Thank you for being a part of it all.
If you would like to share a note or photo about yourself or your experience with the bracelet I would love to hear more about it. My email address is cmbendos@gmail.com.
