Winifred W. Ratcliff

Winifred W. “Winnie” Ratcliff, 98, of Norwich, died peacefully at her daughter’s home on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

Winnie was born in her grandfather’s house on July 6, 1925, in East Pharsalia, NY, a daughter of the late Ivon and Pearl (Harrington) Wright. She graduated from Norwich High School in 1943 and then earned her registered nurse degree from Crouse-Irving Hospital in Syracuse, NY in 1947. Winnie was a proud Army Cadet Nurse during World War II. A majority of her working career was spent at Chenango Memorial Hospital in various departments. After her retirement from Chenango Memorial Hospital, she became the administrator of Chenango Valley Home. She ended her medical career from Valley View Nursing Home in her seventies.

Winnie was very active in the community including volunteering at the Perry Browne and Norwich Middle Schools, a book sorter at Roots and Wings until her early nineties, and a former member and organist of the Plymouth United Methodist Church. In her spare time, she could often be found gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, sewing, and knitting.

On August 23, 1947, in Preston, NY, Winnie married Richard Ratcliff. Together, they owned and operated a dairy farm in Plymouth. He died on September 12, 1994.

Winnie is survived by her children, Thomas (Kathryn) Ratcliff, of Homer, NY, Margaret Ratcliff, of Norwich, and Jane (Martin) Olsa, of Binghamton, NY; grandchildren; Melissa (Glenn) Tortora, of Syracuse, NY, James Olsa, of Binghamton, NY, and Sarah (Seth) Williams, of Norwich, Vaughn Long, of Cortland, NY, and Shari Long, of Cortland, NY; and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, Frances (George) Ratcliff, William (Mariba) Wright, and Nelson (Elma) Wright.

A private graveside service for Winnie will be held at Southside Cemetery in Plymouth, NY at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in memory of Winnie may be made to a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.