Wincel Ann Nicholas, 87, of Biggs, California, passed away peacefully at her home on March 7, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was born on September 6, 1938, in Paris, Arkansas, to Eddie “Red” and Magdelene Garrett. Her early years were spent moving with her family throughout California, from Port Hueneme to Ferndale, and eventually Rhonerville, where she attended Fortuna Union High School.
In 1954, Wincel married Gordon Emry Stephens, and together they welcomed two children, Geneva Ann Stephens and Gordon Emry Stephens, Jr. In the late 1960s, she relocated to Anchorage, Alaska with her sister, Katie Currier and her family, where she later met and married Dr. Carmine Franklin Nicholas. Together they had one daughter, Christine Nicholas Santerre. Following Dr. Nicholas’s passing in 1972, Wincel returned to Humboldt County in 1975. There, she pursued her education at College of the Redwoods, earning degrees in Business Administration and Photography, and went on to become a successful business owner in Fortuna for many years.
In 1982, Wincel reconnected with her high school classmate, Phil Branstetter, who became her life companion for over 30 years. Together they shared a life rich enjoying many Mussel Feeds and good times at Capetown, traveling, dancing, and time with their blended family. They made their home in Fortuna before moving to Capetown in 2004 and later settling in Ferndale in 2006. After Phil’s passing in 2013, Wincel continued to cherish her independence and strong community ties. In 2024, she moved to Biggs, California to be closer to her daughter and became a member of Quota International, continuing her lifelong commitment to service.
Wincel lived a vibrant and adventurous life. She was an avid golfer and a dedicated member of the Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club for over 40 years, actively participating in tournaments and serving in leadership roles within the Women’s Golf Association. She was also a longtime member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Beta Zeta chapter, where she built enduring friendships over four decades. A passionate traveler, Wincel explored the world—from hiking the rugged Lost Coast Trail between Mattole Beach and Shelter Cove, to embarking on African safaris with stops in Dubai, and visiting England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, and Hawaii.
In her later years, Wincel found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing pinochle with her card club, attending women’s luncheons, and walking the beach with her dear friend Marilyn Forsell and her beloved dog, Gracie. Above all, she treasured her family. She took immense pride in her grandchildren, delighting in time spent cooking, making jam, attending their sporting events and graduations, and following their lives with deep interest and love.
Wincel will be remembered for her quiet understanding, her thoughtful and wise words of wisdom, and her steadfast independence. She was a compassionate listener who devoted her life to caring for others, often placing their needs before her own with grace and humility.
She is survived by her sister, Katie Currier; her children, Gordon Stephens (Tammy), Christine Nicholas Santerre (Chadd), and stepson Lee Branstetter; her grandchildren, Geneva’s son, Robert Randow, Maggie Stephens Kelly (Vince), Garrett Stephens, Taylor Santerre Mardesich (Davis), Lance Santerre, Maci Branstetter, Kylee Branstetter, and Lane Branstetter.
Wincel was preceded in death by her parents, Red and Magdelene Garrett; her daughter, Geneva Stephens Lewis; her granddaughter, Benicia Champagne (Geneva); and her late husband, Dr. Frank Nicholas, and her beloved life partner, Phil Branstetter.
Her legacy of strength, kindness, and quiet generosity will live on in all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service will be held July 11th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ocean View cemetery in Eureka with a celebration following in Ferndale, California. More information will be made available.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.