Whilma H. Willsey

Berne- Whilma Wolford Willsey passed away peacefully at home November 9, 2016 surrounded by her family just 2 weeks short of her 88th birthday. Born in Knox, NY to Herbert and Merta Miers Wolford, she was the youngest of 4 children. After losing her father, at a young age her family moved to Schoharie until her mother remarried Marvin Zimmer at which time she gained a sister, Gladys. In June 1947 she graduated from Berne-Knox HS and three months later married Warren F. Willsey. Together they raised their 5 children on their farm in East Berne celebrating their 69th anniversary on September 28, 2016. Operating a dairy farm together for many years, she was a dedicated wife, wonderful mother and later, grandmother. She was a wealth of knowledge and skills for living, loved gardening, freezing and canning vegetables from her garden for many years. She was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for the family and doing alterations for neighbors. An avid needle-crafter, she knit many items for her children and grand-children, and enjoyed needlepoint, making doll house furniture and other miniatures. During this time she was active in Grange, the PTA, the Republican Party, was a Cub Scout leader and hosted 4-H meetings at the farm. She enjoyed reading, local history and researched family genealogy for many years. She was very witty, joking and singing tunes with friends to the end. Whilma is survived by her Husband, Warren F. "Mike" Willsey, and Five children: Winifred Chartier (Gerry), Warren Willsey (Carol), Joel Willsey (Patty), Amy Willsey and Erin Bradt (Ray), as well as 8 grandchildren: Rebecca Chartier-Hobson (Erin), Jesse Chartier, Ashley Attoma (Anthony), Danielle Willsey, Caitlin Rice (Jake), Graham Willsey (Chelsea), Dylan Willsey and Rena Bradt, as well as many nieces and Nephews. She is predeceased by her sisters Hilda who died as an infant, Margerie Wolford Whittaker, brother Herbert Wolford, step sister Gladys Zimmer Skinner and daughter in law Elaine Colose Willsey. Calling hours will be held on Saturday November 12th from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Fredendall Funeral Home. A service will be held, also at the Fredendall Funeral Home on Sunday November 13 at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Helderberg Ambulance, 978 Cole Hill Road, Berne, NY 12023 or Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY 12205