Winifred Josephine McNichols was born the day after Valentine's Day in 1918. She was the second of three daughters in the George Palmer Tuttle and Winifred Wilson Tuttle family. The Tuttles were a well- to-do family in San Antonio, Texas. Winnie grew up with summer camp excursions, a trip by car to the east coast with just her mom and sisters, as well as a home life which included domestic help (things that were not every day experiences for the average kid). When the Depression hit, things for their family changed dramatically, as her father lost everything. Winnie was sent to live with an aunt to reduce the burden created on the family.

Winnie graduated from high school at 16 years old and joined a Vaudeville show which traveled throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. She also performed in Cuba where she met her future husband Harlan "Mac" McNichols who was a drummer for the show. While traveling with the show, Winnie kept Mac's money for him so it didn't get squandered. Mac knew he had a winner! They were married in California in 1936 and were blessed with 68 years together.
Winnie and Mac lived in Los Angeles in the early years where she taught dance and Mac became a fireman. They had two children, Ron and Sharon, who survive her, as well as 7 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to being an acrobat, dance instructor and performer, Winnie was a first class seamstress. In fact, when one of her grand-daughters was in high school and living in Wyoming, she sent her a picture from a magazine of a dress she liked for prom. Amazingly, Winnie made the dress, sent it to her, and it fit perfectly (AND she loved it)!! Winnie was also an entrepreneur (which set the stage for a couple generations more of business women in the family; when she started her own drapery business. She performed on-site alterations for many Hollywood stars in the Beverly Hills area, including Lucille Ball. One of her neighbors with whom she often visited was James Arnez (Gunsmoke fame). She also was very savvy financially, and due to her wisdom, was able to live debt free, travel and maintain a quality lifestyle, with all of her needs taken care of.
Mac and Winnie spent many summers in Mammoth Lakes, where they had built a cabin in the early 1960's. They also towed their camper trailer all over the country and later drove their "Minnie Winnie" RV throughout the United States and Canada. They became world travelers as they got older, covering most of the world. One of their amazing trips was on a boat down the Amazon River while in their 80's.
In their later years as they both had deteriorating health, they moved to San Diego to be closer to family for help. When Mac passed away in 2004, Winnie moved in to the Remington Club in Rancho Bernardo. She lived there for 8 years, made many friends and enjoyed the lifestyle. She kept busy with needlepoint, and her ever present crossword puzzles. She was also a prolific journal keeper and had a daily record of her activities committed to paper for almost the entirety of her life. She often commented that she had become spoiled living there.

Winnie was always a peacemaker, had an amazing memory, and never had anything negative to say about anyone. She had an indomitable will, and even in the last few days of her life, exhibited a real fighting spirit; we admired her great attitude and ability to enjoy life (which is probably why she lived so long), even under very difficult and debilitating circumstances. She knew her own mind on most things and was a great example of forgiveness and patience.

In 2013 Winnie moved to Fallbrook, again to be closer to family. She passed away very peacefully at the home of her final caregivers, Chris and Kathleen (granddaughter) Snow on May 14, 2015 at 10:45AM.