Obituary of Thola Jeanne Redfield

Thola Jeanne Redfield , 93, of Homer New York , passed away on October 10, 2023, after a short illness. She was surrounded by family members and assisted in her passing by the outstanding and empathetic staff of the Guthrie Robert Packard Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Thola was born on September 17, 1930 to Grace and Lawrence Schenck in Cortland, New York. Thola spent her childhood in the East End of Cortland, and she graduated from Cortland High School in 1948. Thola married William Redfield and went on to raise 10 children in Homer, New York. Thola and Bill ran the Midway Diner together with family for many years. After the Midway Diner, Thola spent many years as a beloved waitress at the David Harum Restaurant in Homer, New York. Thola spent her final working years cooking for the residents of the Elizabeth Brewster House in Homer, New York. In her retirement, she worked part time at the Liquor Store in Homer run by the Connery's. Upon retirement, she spent time with family traveling to Virginia, Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, South Carolina, Sodus Point and Fredonia New York to see her children and grandchildren. Thola was a devoted communicant of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church. She was active with the American Legion Post 465 Auxiliary for 60 years, participating in the annual Memorial Day parade into her 90s. Thola's culinary skills were legendary and she passed many of her secrets on to her children and grandchildren. Thola was an avid reader and spent many hours crocheting and knitting gifts for family and friends. Being a mother and grandmother was one of the most important parts of Thola's life, a role that gave her much pride and joy. She was an excellent mom, supportive, kind, hilarious, and witty and we will all miss her dearly. Thola is survived by her children, Marta Redfield, Timothy Redfield (Dino), William Redfield (Judy), Patrick Redfield (Leisha), Dr. Jon Redfield (Sharon), Dennis Redfield (Joan) and Rebecca Saiff (Rob). She is survived by 23 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren and one great, great, great, grandchild. Thola was predeceased by her husband William, Her parents Grace and Lawrence Schenck, brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and Yolanda Schenck and brother Lawrence "Charlie" Schenck. Thola's was also predeceased by her daughters and their husbands, Mary Jo and Bobby Hinson, Laurie and Mark Vosburgh and her son Robert Redfield. Additionally, she was predeceased by her grandchildren, Christopher Redfield, John Vosburgh and Alicia Louis. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Legion Post #465, St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church or The Elizabeth Brewster House. Calling Hours will be held at Wright Beard Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Lincoln Ave. Cortland on Friday, October 13th from 4pm-7pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, October 14,2023 at 10am at St Margaret's Church, Homer. Burial will follow in Scott Union Cemetery. To stream the service, visit www.wright-beard.com, click on Thola's obituary and then click Live Funeral Stream tab.