Winifred E. John

Winifred E. “Princess Wini” John, age 56, of Salamanca, NY died Wednesday, December 13, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness.

Born February 15, 1961 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Ramona Redeye John.

Winfred was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Hawk Clan.

She had been employed with the Seneca Nation of Indians Area of the Aging. She had also worked at the Seneca Nation One Stop and was a former dispatcher in the Seneca Nation of Indians Marshalls’ Office.

In 1986, Winifred had lived with her son in Corpus Christie, TX for over four years. She loved spending time with her son and the rest of her family, loved her friends at the Absolut Nursing Home, and was involved in many activities while she was there. She enjoyed the outdoors, working in her garden with her flowers, crafts, and watching Youtube videos on her tablet and Lucille Ball movies. Fall was her favorite season. She loved karaoke and being in charge of games with her nieces and nephews at family gatherings. In 2005 at the Silver Bells Concert, she and her sisters performed at the Ray Evans Theatre, singing “Jingle Bells” in the Seneca language. She loved reading her Bible, and her favorite verse was John 3:16. Winifred will always be remembered for being a loving and caring person with a great sense of humor.

Winifred will be loving remembered by her son, Orion Daniel Redeye, Salamanca, NY; four sisters, Dorsie John-Bluesky, Esther (Steve) Maybee, Phyllis Royer, Nancy (Ed) Printup, all of Salamanca, NY; three brothers, Jason (Lisa) John, Steamburg, NY, Patrick John, Salamanca, NY, Mortimer (Kara) John, Steamburg, NY; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; her companion of 24 years, Lester “Jim” White-Pigeon Jr, Salamanca, NY.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Cleo Q. John and Michael W. John.

Friends may call at the family home, 3562 Center Road, Jimersontown, beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing all day Sunday.

Funeral services will be held at the God’s Missionary Church, Jimersontown on Monday at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. John Walter officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimersontown, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.