Obituary
On June 20th,
Gilda “Gigi” Winterholler left this life to join her Creator, her beloved
husband Joseph, and her other family members.
Gigi,
a native of Puerto Rico (USA), came to the mainland to continue
her study of the rhythms and
nuances of Flamenco, and to further her career as a Flamenco “bailaora”
(dancer). In the years that followed, she appeared with the “Cabalgata” group
lead by Jose Greco, as well as on Puerto Rican Television as a solo dancer. Her fame as an interpreter of the difficult
and technical Flamenco dances, took her on a caravan of engagements to Night
Clubs, Theaters and Television throughout South America, Canada and the United
States.
Gigi then augmented her many talents by
becoming a vocalist. This brought her added recognition. In her heyday, she
regularly appeared with “The Mambo King” - Perez Prado - in Las Vegas, and with Xavier Cugat at the
“Casa Cugat” in New York City. She also
formed her own musical Group “Los Latinos” to work at “The Flamingo Hotel” in
Las Vegas.
Always inquisitive and thirsty for
knowledge, she later earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree at FAU, and then
embarked on a career in Real Estate. She continued her lifelong love of the
Arts and enthusiastically embraced (oil and watercolor) painting, sculpture and
ceramics; her talents were recognized with several awards.
Gigi, is fondly remembered as “Titi”,
“auntie Gigi”, and as a loving, funny, and supportive family member. She is survived by her niece Florence, and by
nephews, George Richard (and wife Barbara), Juan Gabriel, and Carlos Manuel,
grand nephew Gianni, grand nieces Jodi and Amy, as well as numerous great grand
nephews and nieces
While her passing brings sadness and she
will be sorely missed, her life and memory will continue to be joyfully
recalled and celebrated.
In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Path Hospice.