Elfrieda E. (Winter) Miller, 88. of Bonita Springs, Fla.
Elfrieda E. (Winter) Miller passed away peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2017, at her home in Bonita Springs, Fla.
Elfrieda was a resident of Glenford, N.Y., and Queens, N.Y., for many years.
She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Nov. 26, 1928, to Arthur and Frieda Winter, who predeceased her (1997). She was also predeceased by her first husband, Alfred Walker (1961) and her son Robert Walker (2014).
She is survived by her husband, Max Miller of Bonita Springs, Fla.; daughter, Linda Chapman and son-in law Steve of Cape Coral, Fla.; her grandchildren, Paul and Christopher and their wives Tara and Laura; and three greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her daughter, Diane Francello, and son-in law, Charles, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; her son, Gary Miller, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, of Chester, N.Y.; and her grandchildren, Jackson and Olivia. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Susan Walker of Kerhonkson, N.Y., and stepson, Pierre Miller of Sacramento, Calif.
Elfrieda graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in New York and worked in the fast-paced environment of New York City after World War II’s end, including an assignment as a telephone operator at the Empire State building. She enjoyed dining and shopping with friends and family there, taking in Broadway shows and hitting the local soda fountains for desserts. She also loved the beaches in New York, Coney Island and Jones Beach, and spent many happy memories there with friends and her beloved future husband, Alfred Walker. She married Alfred Walker in 1948, and they welcomed three children over the next eight years. Elfrieda’s life took an unexpected turn when she lost him and was left to raise three children at age 33. Shortly thereafter, she went back into the workforce at Ridgewood Savings Bank in Queens, N.Y. She became a role model to her children and parents as she forged ahead with a new life.
In 1966, she again found happiness when she married Max and they welcomed their son Gary in 1967. In 1969, they left the confines of New York City and relocated to Glenford in Ulster County, where they enjoyed a wonderful home, raising Gary and traveling with their camper to many special spots, including Lee County, Florida, where they purchased a home in 1989. They also traveled extensively in Europe, including a trip with her beloved father.
Throughout her life, she had a great love of music, had a wonderful soprano voice, and participated in the Reservoir United Methodist Church choir. She was an outstanding cook and enjoyed hosting Sunday dinners for her family. She also enjoyed flowers and gardening, including participating in Hibiscus and Orchid clubs.
The family wishes to thank Elfrieda’s caregivers in Florida for their service over the past several years on her behalf.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lasher Funeral Home, Woodstock, N.Y. Calling hours and a memorial service will be held at Lasher on Monday, April 17, 2017, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with burial following in Woodstock Cemetery. Donations in memory of Elfrieda’s life can be made to the ASPCA or an animal shelter of the donor’s choice.