Sybil Winchester Obituary

SYBIL KAHELELANI WINCHESTER Sybil passed away in Las Vegas on November 12, 2024, surrounded by her family and favorite Hawaiian melodies. Sybil, 83 was the first born to our parents Philip and Ruth (Lai) Winchester in Honolulu on April 2, 1941. We remember Sybil's passion to explore, can-do spirit, and generosity in creating joy for her family and those needing a helping hand. A celebrated graduate of Farrington High School, Sybil loved summertime 12-hour shifts at Dole Cannery, pineapple burns as badges of courage and sharing stories of fun at her first job. While still in school, she interned at Honolulu Federal Savings and Loan, shaping her interests in banking. Sybil was recruited from hula halau and that passion to explore found her taking a first time on an airplane journey to Las Vegas in 1963 where she performed for seven years with Nalani Kele's Polynesian Revue at the Stardust Hotel. Sybil returned to banking in Las Vegas and eventually led organizations. Nevada Savings and First Republic banks appreciated her contributions, innate strength to anticipate the needs of others and exceed their expectations, and mentorship of future leaders. After retiring, Sybil continued to support women in need of safe havens, raising awareness while creating special surprises to spark joy and hope. Sybil is preceded in death by our parents. She is survived by siblings Oa Mansfield (Tamio, dec.) and their hanai son Bert, Gary, Jim (Emerald) and Dinny (Jerry) Trinidad; nephews Kaleo, Kanoe, and Imai, nieces Liana and Tehane and their families. Sybil leaves a legacy of kindness, grace, curiosity and love. We are grateful for your caring nature, merry making, advice and long distance hugs. We remember travel, from surprising mom and dad with their first trip to Las Vegas, to your gifts of surprise visits for each of us to be with you. We remember bus rides, downtown excursions, Woolworth's, Kress waffle ice cream and movies. We are grateful for your cheerleading our choices and inspiring pathways for our growth. We were blessed with the best big sister imaginable. A hui hou tita. Private services were held to celebrate Sybil's return home.