Adriana Iva Van Winkle, gained her wings on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving Mom, Dad and big brother. Adriana was born on Dec. 8, 2004, in Houston, Texas, and lived in the lake area her whole life.
Even though Adriana faced challenges from the beginning, her strong spirit and determination overcame many obstacles. She experienced and enjoyed many things and lived her life to the fullest. Adriana was a joyful, beautiful angel, a blessing given to her parents to share a lifetime of love in 18 years. Very early on her parents and brother recognized the things that brought Adriana happiness and joy and strived to bring that to her every day. Nothing got in the way of delivering her an extraordinary life. Her personality shined through, and she had her own whimsical way of expressing herself that only those who were close to her understood. Adriana enjoyed her time at school, traveling the world and being in the community but the excitement of coming back home thrilled her the most. Her determination to experience new things was always met with success despite any hurdle. There were many special things that Adriana enjoyed but her connection to the water was magical; whether it was a fountain, tub, pool, sea, or ocean, Adriana was always drawn towards it. Adriana gained her wings, but for her, she became a mermaid.
Adriana’s sudden departure to Heaven has left a great sadness and void for her family, parents, Wade and Katarina; and brother, Nikola Van Winkle. Adriana is also survived by grandparents, Kyle and Amanda Van Winkle, Danica Zulfić; aunts and uncles, Damir and Sladana Zulfić, Keith and Leah Burnitt; and cousins, Daniel and Luka Zulfić, and Samantha Johnson. She also leaves an abundance of lives touched by her that are too numerous to count.
It is with heartfelt most sincere gratitude, we thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Christus St. Patrick’s Hospital for their efforts, kindness and compassion.
Memorial service for Adriana will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home. The Rev. Adrian Littlefield will officiate. Family and friends will gather from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to honor Adriana’s memory may be made to Ainsley’s Angels, https://www.givesignup.org/DonationWebsite/AinsleysAngels/donateor Trinity Outdoors Disabled Adventures, 3045 Third Street, Lake Arthur, LA 70549.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.