Paula Winkler Di Fiore

Obituary
Paula Winkler Di Fiore
June 2, 1931 – December 3, 2024

Born in Glendale, California, to George and Pauline Winkler, Paula was the first of two children, along
with her brother George. She thrived in the southern California sunshine, attending Hoover High School
and acting in musical productions. She went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Music from UC Santa
Barbara in 1953, and a Masters of Education from College of St. Thomas in 1986, speaking at both
graduation ceremonies. She met Vincent R. Di Fiore at UCSB, and they were married in August, after
graduation.

An active volunteer for many causes, Paula was a Delta Gamma sorority member for 73 years, and
served as President of the local chapter.

Paula had a noteworthy career of 20 years as a music teacher in the Torrance Unified School District.
She served on the board as President and as Media Chair of the local Retired Teachers of California.
In retirement, she volunteered for 20 years at the Torrance Memorial Hospital, playing show tunes and
old standards on the grand piano, for the enjoyment of visitors and staff.

Over Paula’s lifetime, she taught piano lessons in the home, was a member of the Los Cancioneros
singing group, performed in shows with the Prime Time Players, was Queen of the Sigma Pi (Dad’s)
fraternity, served many years as bus chairperson on the Peninsula Committee for the L.A. Philharmonic,
and introduced school children to instruments at the Peninsula Music Fair Music Mobile.
A longtime member of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, Paula served as Worship Council Chair and was an
alto in the Chancel Choir.

Paula enjoyed countless games of tennis and bridge over the decades, was known for her great sense of
humor, and she sustained many cherished friendships.

Paula is survived by her husband of 71 years, Vincent Di Fiore, their children: Donna, Dean (Ester), Diane
(Jerry Hester), Vincent, Denise (Jon Shuman); grandchildren: Elise, Jeffrey (Claire), Michael, Vincent,
Carlo, Luca, Max; and great grandchild Nora.

Private services will be held, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.