Shana Winter

With what would seem to be the best years of her life still ahead of her, Shana Winter’s voice was silenced well before she was done speaking. However, those who knew Shana know that she wouldn’t want us to linger in our sadness, but to rejoice in the gift we have in each new day while celebrating the love we’ve been given in those around us. She will be remembered for her spirit of independence, her desire to better the world around her, and the way her Jewish faith grounded her throughout the length of her journey. A beloved daughter, devoted and loving sister, and friend to many, Shana will be deeply missed while her memories remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those who knew her.

Shana was born in Kwangju, Korea in December, 1985. When she was about a year and a half old, Shana was left at a fire station in Kwangju without any identifying information. As a result, she was given the Korean name of Moon Young Kang, and spent the following a year in an orphanage, was then put up for Korean adoption and was later placed in a foster home. While in the foster home, Shana became available for overseas adoption.

Life was forever changed for Shana when she was adopted by a loving couple from Portage, Michigan. At the age of three and a half, she was welcomed into the hearts and home of Henry and Ellen Winter on May 16, 1989, when she arrived in the Detroit Metro Airport. She joined her older brother, Josh, in the Winter family and there was a bond between them that seemed almost instantaneous. Shana often slept at the foot of his bed and as the months and years went by, they developed a rather typical relationship for a brother and sister. As a young girl she participated in dance and played softball with West Portage Little League. She was also a life-long avid skier.

For her education, Shana attended local schools including Amberly Elementary, Portage West Middle School, and Portage Northern High School where she was a cheerleader who was part of the competitive cheer team. She began her college career at Central Michigan University. She later returned home to continue her education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she was studying Business Administration. With her warm and bubbly personality, Shana made friends easily and liked to socialize. Throughout her life, Shana treasured her many friends.

Over the years, Shana’s Judaism was an important part of her life. It kept her grounded, and her Bat Mitzvah was a very special day for her. Shana taught religious school and was elected to the Board of Trustees at Temple B’nai Israel in Kalamazoo last June as one the youngest members to sit on the board in their history.

There were so many things that made Shana such a unique young woman who was so dearly loved. One thing that stood out about her was her independent spirit. Shana was a free thinker who wasn’t afraid to do things contrary to the norm with no worries about what others would think of her. She was passionate about the things she felt and had no problem expressing where she stood on issues. Shana wholeheartedly immersed herself into the things she felt strongly about such as what she felt was right, justice for all people and liberal views when it came to political matters. A true idealist, Shana could be described as feisty when standing up for equality and liberty for all. It isn’t surprising that Shana liked spicy food, the spicier the better, to go along with her spicy personality. She loved connecting with her family and friends through Facebook and texting, and she faithfully posted her daily horoscope on her Facebook page as well. Shana constantly listened to music based on her eclectic tastes, including everything from Kenny G to hip hop. She paid attention to the latest fashion trends and was always a savvy dresser. With her extensive collection of stuffed panda bears, it was clear to see that they were her favorite animal.

Throughout her adult life, Shana suffered with stomach problems that were thought to be caused by acid reflux disease. However, in September of this past year she was diagnosed with stomach cancer and although she underwent chemotherapy, the cancer had progressed too far to be cured. Through her own research she discovered that Asian people have a higher rate for this type of cancer than most and a genuine activist to her core, she wanted to get the word out and educate others about what she learned. Life was not easy during the sunset of her life and although she was strong and independent, she came back to the roots of what always kept her grounded – her faith and her family.

During the relatively short time that Shana Winter was here, she made a huge impact on the world around her and the hearts of those in her life. She was an idealist and an activist who never tired of standing up for the things she felt passionate about. Shana never sat idly by when it came to changing the world around her for the better since she wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and get to work. With her fun-loving spirit and adventurous soul, Shana was a delight to her family and friends. She was a true gift given to the world, if even for only a moment in time.

Shana Winter of Portage died at home on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Shana’s family includes her parents, Henry and Ellen Winter; brother, Joshua; grandparents; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends. Learn more about Shana and visit with her family and friends on Saturday from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900. Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Temple B’nai Israel, 4409 Grand Prairie, Kalamazoo. Burial will be in the Mountain Home Cemetery. Please visit Shana’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial contribution to the “Shana Winter Jewish Education Fund” at the Temple B’nai Israel Religious School, P.O. Box 19666, Kalamazoo MI 49019.