WORCESTER - Winifred Ellen Lehenbauer passed away on February 11, 2022, after an extended illness.

She was predeceased by her parents, Roena R. Messner and Frederick George Messner, and by her former husband, Winfred Lehenbauer.

She is survived by her children, Christopher (Lori) Lehenbauer of Worcester, NY, Karl (Nancy) Lehenbauer of Lebanon, TN, and Ruth (Chris) Laird of Constantia, NY; by her grandchildren, Scott (Stephanie) Lehenbauer, Timothy (Alyssa) Lehenbauer, Sarah (John) Murphy, Liana (Jason) Ingram, Brittany Lehenbauer, Nathaniel Lehenbauer, Damian (Christina) Laird, Gabriel Laird, and Tara Laird; and by her 9 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brothers, Laurence (Dolores) Messner, Paul (Martha) Messner and David (Paola) Messner.

Winnie was born December 25, 1939 at Union Hospital, Bronx, NY.  She was in the first graduating class at Martin VanBuren High School and earned degrees at Concordia Junior College in Bronxville, NY, and Valparaiso University in Indiana.  She was consecrated as a deaconess in the Lutheran Church in 1961.

She married Winfred Lehenbauer in 1962.  She was a Brownie leader, a past president of the Worcester Hose Co. Auxiliary, and a past president of the Worcester Women's Club.  She enjoyed puzzles and games, crafts, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 5 pm-7pm at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main Street in Worcester, NY.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 1 pm at the Atonement Lutheran Church, 1 Center Street in Oneonta, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to: The Worcester Hose Company Auxiliary, PO Box 430, Worcester NY 12197; The Memorial Fund Atonement Lutheran Church, 1 Center St., Oneonta NY 13820 or to The Lutheran Deaconess Association, 1304 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383 (or online at TheLDA.org).

Online condolences may be made at, www.hellerskinnerfh.com