IN MEMORIAM:  Virginia Martindale, 93;

7 Offspring Survive Portlandville Resident

PORTLANDVILLE – Virginia Winsor Martindale of Portlandville, 93, peacefully passed on Oct. 11, 2019, at Fox Nursing Home with loving family at her side.

Virginia was born on Oct. 16, 1925, in Oneonta, and was the daughter of Genevieve Deane Winsor and Gilbert Daniel Winsor.

She spent her childhood on the Winsor homestead in Portlandville, established in the mid-1800s.

After retiring from farming, she and Fred returned to the homestead, where they lived out their lives.

Her passing was preceded by her husband of 62 years, Fred Martindale; her parents; and her brother, Deane Winsor, well known locally for his association with the Milford Macs.

She is survived by her children, James Martindale, Ronald Martindale, Samuel Martindale, Dennis Martindale, David Martindale, Elva Martindale Manee and Richard Martindale; grandchildren, Marcus Johnson, Lucas Martindale, Heather Martindale, Christian Martindale, Daniel Martindale, Joseph Martindale, Nina Martindale, Christina Layman, Connie Wilms, Carrie Wagner, Jennifer DeLessio, Ryan Martindale, Lindsey Judd, Cheryl Rotyliano, Matthew Martindale, Miranda Morel, Rick Martindale, Jasmine Purdy, Veronica Jacobs, Samantha Manee, Tyler Manee, Colin Martindale and Emily Martindale; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Virginia and Fred were skilled dairy farmers and devoted parents and grandparents. In addition to being a wonderful homemaker, she did all forms of work required of a successful dairy farmer. Virginia loved feeding people and her baked goods delighted all who shared them. There was always a full cookie jar and a meal-in-the-making that could feed whoever came through the door.

Virginia always happily put her family’s needs above her own. She enjoyed caring for grandchildren whenever asked, and they went home dirty, tired and happy. Her garden fed her family year-round thanks to hours spent canning and freezing. Croquet and checkers were favorite games, though she frequently bent the rules. Treasured in-laws and friends, too numerous to mention, enriched her life.

Somehow, she had time for her community as well. She was a devoted member of the Portlandville Methodist Church; helping with many turkey dinners and serving as treasurer for many years.

A proud graduate and valedictorian of the Milford Central School class of 1943, she loved attending the annual alumni banquet and enjoyed the duties of school historian. She also served on the Town of Milford Election Board.

After retiring from farming, she worked at Springbrook as a cook. She enjoyed the residents and made sure each had a homemade birthday cake.

The family thanks all who cared for Virginia at the Fox Nursing Home. Their concern, kindness and humor comforted Virginia and her family during her final years.

The family will be present at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, Cooperstown, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, to receive friends. A memorial service officiated by the Rev. Sylvia Barrett, pastor of the Milford United Methodist Church, will follow the visiting hours at 3 p.m. A private burial will be at a later date.

Donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to the Milford Emergency Squad, the Milford Methodist Church or the Portlandville Church.