Ethelyn C Wilcott

Ethelyn Charlotte Wilcott, 88, of Jacksonville, Florida and formerly from Utica, New York, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Wednesday January 24, 2018 at her home, with family by her side.

Ethelyn was born in Utica, New York on September 4, 1929 and was the youngest child of Edward M. and Sarah Ann (Stevener) Lynch. She grew up as a member of Zion Lutheran Church and attended local Utica schools. Ethelyn married James B Wilcott Sr in 1950 and was married until his death on January 2, 1995. Ethelyn and James had eight children, Ruaine, Delaine, Terence, Barbara, James, Lorren, Adrianne and Shawn.

Ethelyn began her working career in the mid 40’s at the Florentine Bakery in Utica, New York. She later worked at GE and retired from Farrington Packaging (Mele Manufacturing) in 1980. Ethelyn also worked for Advanced Career Training, (ACT), after she moved to Jacksonville at the age of 68. She enjoyed the students very much and they all called her Gram.

Ethelyn and James moved from Utica to Oriskany in 1972 and remained there until their move to Florida. Ethelyn and Jim followed in their older children’s footsteps and relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1981. Ethelyn loved Florida and said many times, “I wish I had made the move sooner!”

Ethelyn enjoyed playing shuffleboard with her husband, Jim and actually won several tournaments. She also loved playing cards, (Pitch and Pinochle), with her family and the game Trouble – yes, she played for money! Ethelyn was also very proud of her Florida yard and would spend hours weeding and catering to her flowers and plants.

Ethelyn is survived by her oldest daughter Delaine and her husband Philip Congilaro Jr, son Terrence and his wife Carol, daughter Barbara Andrews, son Lorren and his fiance Lei, and youngest daughter Adrianne and her husband James Doughfman. Also surviving are her 18 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter and many nieces, nephews and cousins both in Florida and Upstate New York.

Ethelyn was predeceased by her daughter Ruaine Marie and sons James (Chip) Edward and Shawn David Wilcott, and her great granddaughter, Danielle Marie Mann. She also is predeceased by three brothers – Charles, Edward and James Lynch and four sisters – Eleanor Crouse, Evelyn Roberts, Dorothy Walker and Thelma Zongrone.

The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice for the care given to their mother. Ethelyn’s wishes were to be cremated with no service. She wanted everyone to remember her in their own way, not from her memorial service.