Winifred A. Harkness

Winifred A. HarknessLongtime resident of Gillett, PAWas born November 6, 1926 in Elmira, the daughter of the late LaRue Bradford and Winifred Irene (Sterling) Avery, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the age of 88. She was a very devoted, loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Wayne C. Harkness; daughter, Sharon H. Sifnakis; granddaughter, Shelly Harkness Holdren; brother, LaRue Avery; niece, Debra Haxton. Winifred is survived by her children: Roger (Sandra) Harkness of Troy, PA; and their children: Stephanie (Brett) Bentley; Diane (Jim) Greene of Gillett, PA; and their children: Robert Bones, Marcy Bones and Jael Greene (fiancée Eddie Klecha); Renee (Jeffrey) Shanahan of Ashburn, VA; and their children: Chelsea (Ryan) Lumpkin and Olivia Shanahan, all of Ashburn, VA; son-in-law, Michael Sifnakis and his children: Peter Sifnakis (Janine Sante), William Sifnakis (Karen Vallejos) and Christopher Sifnakis (Jennifer); sister: Joyce (Richard) Berry of Gillett, PA; and their children: Pam (Jim) Updike; special sister-in-law: Dora Ann Avery of Gillett, PA; and her children: Randy (Mary Ellen) Avery and Rod (Sandy) Avery; along with 12 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson, several nieces and nephews. Winnie was a long standing and faithful member of the Gillett Baptist Church and a dedicated member of the American Baptist Women's Organization. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Funeral services celebrating her life will follow the visitation at 2 PM. Pastor Mickey Cavanaugh will officiate. Interment will follow in the Gillett Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her beloved Wayne. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Gillett Baptist Church 33241 Route # 14 Gillett, PA 16925. Winifred's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com