Winifred Riley (Loomis) Waffner

Winifred Riley Waffner, 86, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, at Hospice of Jefferson County, with her loving daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Ahlheim, and her granddaughter, Emily McGuire, by her side.

Winifred was born on May 22, 1939, in Fabius, NY, the daughter of Harold and Laura (Harris) Loomis. She attended Homer Central School and went on to build a life defined by love, resilience, and a deep devotion to her family.

She married William J. Riley on July 16, 1955, in Homer, who predeceased her on October 30, 1973. She later married William C. Waffner on December 6, 1974, in Cazenovia, who passed away on August 15, 2006.

Winifred worked for many years as a Quality Control Inspector at Magnavox, later Philips Broadband Networks, in Manlius. Along the way, she built a lifetime of lasting memories in Homer, Truxton, Cortland, Cazenovia, Florida, and eventually Watertown, where she settled in 2008.

Lovingly known as “Gram Gram,” Winifred was the heart of her family and found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments. Many also called her “Winnie,” often associating her with Pooh because of her name—a connection that always brought a smile. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening, reading, and spending time on her computer. She loved traveling with her husband, especially to their home in Florida, and took great pride in the time she spent making memories with her granddaughter and great-granddaughters.

Winifred had a bright, lively spirit and a natural way of lifting those around her. Her humor, kindness, and gentle nature made people feel welcome and cared for, and she brought warmth and light into the lives of so many. She will be remembered not only for what she did, but for how she made others feel, and for her contagious laugh.

She also had a special place in her heart for her furry grandchildren, Piper and Benny, as well as her beloved dogs, Ashley and Waffy.

Of those Winifred cherished most, she is survived by her daughter, Deborah R. Ahlheim (John A. Schweinsberg) of Watertown; her granddaughter, Emily A. (Caleb) McGuire of Penfield and her great-granddaughters, Violet Cynthia and Jane Winifred McGuire; her sisters, Frieda Hildreth of Florida and Patricia (Wayne) Bonney of Maine; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was predeceased by her siblings, Carl Loomis, Iris Miller, Victor Loomis, Arlene McFall, Doris Boyden, and Marlene Solenberger.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Judy Gill and family for their lifelong friendship with Winifred, to her caregiver, Alex, for her constant care and compassion, and to the staff on the second floor at Samaritan Keep Home, as well as Hospice of Jefferson County, for their kindness and for ensuring she was comfortable in her final days.

There will be no calling hours. A burial and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. Online condolences may be shared at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Winifred’s memory to make a donation to a charity of their choice in her name.

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