IN MEMORIAM: Madeline Wenck, 96;
Noted For Her Flower Gardens, Cookies
ONEONTA – Madeline B. Wenck, 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017 at the Chestnut Park Nursing Home, happily walking into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Madeline was born June 17, 1921, on Pumpkin Hollow Road in Davenport, the daughter of Luther and Marjorie (Davidson) Burdick.
She married Gerald F. Wenck on June 18, 1941, in Oneonta, stating over and over that he was the most handsome man she had ever met; one with absolutely beautiful sky-blue eyes. As their family grew, and more space was needed, they moved out of the city and into a home in the county. Gerald built the house one room at a time and Madeline became famous for the large flower gardens that decorated the property.
After the birth of her fourth child, James, Madeline became an advocate for Individuals with Disabilities; working to improve the educational, medical, residential and general living conditions provided to individuals with disabling conditions. She was instrumental in helping to design and develop residential facilities that met the needs of the disabled, helping in the efforts to establish one of the first ARC residential homes in the Oneonta area.
At home, Madeline was known for her wonderful holiday dinners, summer barbeques and the most delicious molasses, chocolate and oatmeal/raisin cookies ever tasted.
A woman of strong Christian faith, over the years she attended Baptist Churches in both Zephyrhills, FL and Oneonta. As her commitment to the Lord grew over the years, so did her desire to share her faith with others, especially the members of her immediate and extended family.
Madeline is survived by her children, Gerald W. (Romona) Wenck of Laurens, Kenneth P. (Dorothy) Wenck of Fayetteville, and Christine Wenck of Hampton, N.J. She always felt very blessed to have 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. One of the great joys of her life was her brother, Glen (Tilly) Burdick of Florida, who was actually borne on Madeline’s 19th birthday.
She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Gerald on Jan. 27, 2006; a son, James F. Wenck; a brother, Raymond Burdick, and loving sisters, Dorothy Slawson and Marjorie Russell.
Calling hours 10 a.m.-noon, with the service immediately following, Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. Interment will follow the service at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
