GUILFORD – Wilhelmina Henley, 102, of Guilford, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at her home in Guilford.
Born in Guilford on Nov. 10, 1907, Wilhelmina was the only child of Charles Gree and Helena Margrat. On July 31, 1933, she married Raymond H. Henley, who passed away in 2004.
“Willie” as known by many, received her teaching degree in Albany, taught in Troy for 10 years before returning to Guilford to teach junior high english for 10 years and becoming building principal of Guilford for 20 years and retired at the age of 65.
Willie became unable to live alone after the death of her husband Ray and was able to remain in her home until her death being cared for by girls who became not only her caregivers but her friends and family. During this time she received letters as well as visits from former students which pleased her very much. She loved flowers, hearing all the news of Guilford, world happenings as well as all about “her girls” as she called her caregivers and their families. She loved hearing about their pets and families. Willie got to see and meet the members of their families and watched their small children and grandchildren grow and several newborns that joined their families. They came to visit her often. She was especially pleased when one of “her girls” was expecting a baby and asked Willie to help name her. She loved it when they came to visit and when they didn’t, she would remark, “Oh well, I know just because I helped name her, doesn’t give me any rights.” Willie also loved, her joy, Jennie Hadley’s, cat. She renamed the cat “George” and he spent many, many hours at Willie’s house. He loved Willie too.
Willie and her girls shared many memories. She never wanted a big fuss (so she said) but sure was happy when a fuss was made over her, or in her behalf. There were surprise birthday parties, visits from the Easter Rabbit with Easter gifts and Santa with Christmas gifts.
At the time of her death she was Guilford’s oldest citizen. When asked once to be Guilford’s Citizen of the Year, she would have no part of it as she said she never did anything special. Willie never really knew how special she was and how much she will be missed and how much she was loved by her former students, very special close friends and “her girls” and their families.
Willie is survived by “her girls,” Elaine Pikul, Jennie Hadley (not only her caretaker but close neighbor and friend) Wendy Murray, Dorothy Ostrander, Kim Wright, Sharon Pike, Bonnie Besek, Stacy Besek and Laurie Elsworth. Several very, very, special close friends and her beloved cat, George.
At Willie’s request there is to be no public service and interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery of Oxford.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.