Winnifred I. Francke

BENNINGTON- Winnifred Ingeborg Francke, 97, a resident of Readsboro, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 9, at The Center for Living and Rehabilitation following a long illness.
Born on March 8, 1926, in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Ludwig and Ida (Kuka) Stiedenrod. Winnie was raised and received her education in Germany, and completed an education in the areas of pattern making, needle work, and fine tailoring.
On July 31, 1950, she married Lothar Francke in Berlin. Lothar died on May 4, 2021.
After they were married, Winnie and Lothar moved to the United States. They arrived in New York City and lived in Brooklyn for a few years until they settled to raise a family in New Jersey.
Following their retirement in 1989, Winnie and Lothar moved to Readsboro full time after vacationing at their home there for a few years.
In her free time Winnie enjoyed spinning and weaving, knitting, crocheting, and counted cross-stitch. She also at one time had an alpaca and a llama, making sweaters and other crafts from their hair.
Survivors include her children Suzane Francke, of Readsboro, and Bernhard Francke, of Valley Cottage, NY.
A memorial service for Winnie will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, May 31, at Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington. Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.