Obituary of Winifred H. Childs

Voorheesville – Winifred H. Childs, nee Harrison, 94, passed away November 19, 2021. Born in Olean, NY on December 30, 1926, she was the daughter of Bernard and Mae Phearsdorf Harrison. After graduating high school, Mrs. Childs went to vocational school to become a secretary and then worked for ACME Milling Company. On June 4, 1955 Winifred married William L. Childs. They moved to Voorheesville in 1957 and in 1959 her father Bernard and Bill built their house where they raised their three children. She then worked for Spaulding & Rogers and the First United Methodist Church in Voorheesville. Mrs. Childs enjoyed quilting and making crafts. She was a member of Nimble Fingers and Crafty Christians. She also loved singing and was in the choir at the Voorheesville Methodist Church, where she was a member for 60 years. She also sang as a member of the 500 Voice Ecumenical Choir performing at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Mrs. Childs was predeceased by her husband Bill in 2007. Survivors include three children, Ellen Childs (Michael Nix) of Albany, Matthew Childs of Voorheesville and Susan Burns (Gary) of Bovina Center, NY; grandchildren, Jessie (Jessica), Ellie (Kyle), Alex (Tristan Welton), Betsy (Tyler Richardson), Zach, Nick, Luke (Ariel), Sarah (Trevor Spencer) and Julia (Dan Keher); nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Bill, Mrs. Childs was also predeceased by her brother, Ivan Harrison; sister, Lois Jennings; and grandson, Joshua Winn. Calling hours will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the Reilly & son Funeral Home, Voorheesville followed by a service of committal at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Salem. The family of Winifred H. Childs would like to thank friends and neighbors for their kindness, especially to Jackie Schlappi and Agnes Weaver. Also, a thank you to Paulette, Stephanie, Holly, Donna, Amy and Jessica, Dawn and Lacey for the care they provided to our mom. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Winifred H. Childs may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville, 68 Maple Ave., Voorheesville, NY 12186 or the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.