IN MEMORIAM
Virginia Miller Sherwood, 104;
Oversaw Thanksgiving Home
COOPERSTOWN – Virginia Miller Sherwood, 104, a former administrator at the Clara Welsh Thanksgiving Home and a volunteer at Bassett Hospital, died on Feb. 5, 2018, at her residence at Hickory House of the Sitrin Health Care Center, New Hartford.
Mrs. Sherwood was born Nov. 24, 1913 in Hudson, a daughter of the late Leland S. and Mary (Elaget) Miller. She grew up in the village of Germantown, Columbia County, and in her teens moved to Sharon Springs when her father built a hotel on Route 20, the Cherry Valley Turnpike, in 1929.
She graduated from high school there in 1932 and attended Syracuse University. Virginia married Leon C. Sherwood of Cobleskill in 1934 and lived there 11 years until they took over the hotel business with her family.
Upon selling the hotel in 1963 she worked at Albany Medical Center for three years. In 1966 she was hired as administrator of the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, where she worked for 13 years, retiring in 1979. Leon preceded her in death on Nov. 19, 1974.
Virginia was a volunteer at Bassett Hospital and the SPCA, and an active member of the Cooperstown Methodist Church. Through the years she enjoyed playing bridge in several clubs and studied art. Upon retiring she spent many years in Florida, and traveled widely in the U.S. and abroad. In later years she moved to Newport to be near family. At age 90, she became a resident of Sunset Wood and in 2012, moved to Cedarbrook Assisted Living, until her transfer to Hickory House last year.
Survivors include one daughter, Phyllis S. Fisher of Boonville; four grandchildren, Peter (Sheila) and Paul Lane, Jennifer A. Wong and James C. (Julie) Fisher; seven great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son-in-law, James A. Fisher, in 2012.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at the New Hartford First United Methodist Church, 105 Genesee St., with the Rev. Brad Chesebro, pastor, and the Rev. Carol Jubenville, co-officiating. Interment will be made in the Reformed Church Cemetery of Germantown, joining her husband and family there. There are no calling hours.
Memorials may be made to an organization of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Autenrith Funeral Home, Newport
