Noted 'Trek' fan Winston dead at 77

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NEW YORK, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Joan Winston, who earned fame among "Star Trek" fans by organizing conventions dedicated to the U.S. TV series, has died at the age of 77, her cousin says.

Steven Rosenfeld said the New York resident died of Alzheimer's disease this month, ending a life that included helping to bring about the birth of annual "Star Trek" conventions, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Dennis Rayburn, who writes a column for a Web site dedicated to "Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, said for her part in instituting the popular conventions, Winston earned the adoration of countless "Trek" fans.

"I would put her in the category of legend," the roddenberry.com writer said.

Even when her fame made her a speaker at such U.S. functions rather than another visitor, she remained a true "Trek" fan, Rayburn added.

"She didn't let the status she had among the 'Trek' fans go to her head," he said of Winston, who died Sept. 11. "She was just one of us."

Beyond Rosenfeld, the Times said listed no additional survivors for Winston.