Winnie Jean Alek (Catlos), 81, passed away peacefully at 2:03am on July 3rd, 2022 at Salem North Healthcare Center. Winnie was born in Salem, Ohio on May 31st, 1941 to the late Beatrice and Albert Catlos. She was a 1959 graduate of Salem High School and attended Ohio University for a short time. Winnie was known by many people in town from when she worked at the Kroger grocery store in Salem. She spent the last 20 years of her career working at Worthington Custom Plastics, which became Blackhawk during her time there and she retired in 2006. She worked many different positions during her time at Blackhawk and was always known for her hard work ethic.

Winnie married Milan "Tony" Alek in 1964 and they were married for 30 years. After their divorce they remained great friends and both cared for each other very much. Winnie and Tony had two children together; Elizabeth Alek of Salem and Flin Alek of Goodyear, Arizona. Winnie was preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth in 2003. Winnie and Elizabeth were very close, and her death affected Winnie greatly, although she always remained positive and full of life. She was also preceded in death by her ex-husband Milan "Tony' Alek on March 24th, 2022, and grandson Mitchell Alek of Goodyear, Arizona in 2020. Winnie is survived by her son Flin (Amy) Alek. He has made many visits home the last several years from Arizona to visit his parents and Winnie was very proud of him. Winnie is survived by her granddaughter, Lauren Alek of Salem (Paul Galias). Lauren was the light of her life and Winnie helped to raise Lauren. Lauren also helped to care for her while she lived on her own before going to Salem North.  Winnie is also survived by her brother Albert "Fella" (Barbie) Catlos of North Carolina, granddaughters Abigail Alek and Elizabeth Alek of Goodyear, Arizona whom she adored, and her best friend of 50 years, Susan Kilmer of Salem.

In Winnie's younger days she enjoyed dance and practiced ballet for many years. She was a huge fan of the 1950's-1960's time period and really enjoyed the music from that era. She was an avid reader her whole life and spent a lot of time reading novels. Winnie enjoyed cooking and had an interest in home décor and renovations and was always found to be watching HGTV and home improvement shows. Her favorite hobby in her later years was quilting and sewing. She was a member of the United Quilt Guild in Salem and really enjoyed her time in the guild and made a lot of friends. Winnie had a unique personality and a very contagious laugh. She loved to have deep conversations with those she cared for and loved to have a good time. She was a very determined person and despite all the healthcare challenges she had over the last 17 years, she always exceeded the expectations of her doctors. She truly was a fighter and had a strong will. Her positive attitude despite her struggles was admirable. Winnie was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Salem and had strong faith in God. Winnie will be tremendously missed by her family and friends, but all the memories and lessons she taught us will live on forever.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Salem North Healthcare Center for caring for Winnie during the last years of her life. You all became her family too and she loved you all. Thank you for making her transition to the next life peaceful. The family would also like to thank Dr. Wilson for always taking an interest in her care and going above and beyond for her. Thank you to Dr. Ryhal for caring for her for many years.

Services will be held on Saturday, 3 PM with the Rev. Byron Bufkin of the Church officiating.  There will be a time of visitation from 1 to 2 Pm Saturday at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services. It was the wishes of Winnie that she be cremated.