Obituary of Wilhelmina B. Setren

Wilhelmina B. Setren, 87, a near lifelong resident of Monticello, NY, passed away after a lengthy illness at the Care Center at Sunset Lake in Liberty, NY. The family would like to extend our gratitude to all mom’s caregivers at the Care Center for their many kindnesses. Wilhelmina, affectionately known as Willy or Mina, the eldest of three children, was born on February 25, 1937, to Margaret Helen (nee Taggart), and Gustave Kraft in Monticello, NY. Willy spent her early childhood in Brooklyn, NY, and enjoyed frequent trips to visit her maternal grandmother on the family farm in Bethel, before she and her parents relocated to Monticello.

Willy excelled at school, where she was well loved by her classmates, and subsequently maintained lifelong friendships with several. Following her graduation from Monticello High School in 1954, she helped organize class reunions. Willy also worked as an operator for the former New York Telephone Company prior to her marriage on November 18, 1954, to the love of her life, David Setren.

Willy, and her loving “Davie” raised three children at their South Woods homestead, Robert, Louis, and Deborah. A special bond among the parents, children, and neighbors in this area continues. Once her children were grown, Willy returned to work at Jamesway in Monticello, where she enjoyed her position and friendships with her coworkers until the store closed. After Davie’s passing, Willy returned to the First Church of Monticello-Presbyterian, where she served as a member of the Session, and on the Ladies Aid Society. She truly treasured her “Church Family,” many of whom predeceased her, and she will now join them for “coffee hour.”

Willy is survived by her sister, Ellen Horvath of Monticello, son Robert of North Pole, AK, son Louis and wife Julie of Roscoe, NY, and daughter Debbie Bonilla of Monticello, as well as her four grandchildren, Jason Newell (Katherine Wilkinson), Jessica Singleton (Thomas), Joshua Setren (Oedhel), Mary Setren, and one step-granddaughter, Heather Mustavs. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Jack, Ahriellah, Annahlise, and Jahmir. She further leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom she dearly loved. Willy was predeceased by her parents, her husband David, her brother, August C. “Butch” Kraft, brother-in-law, Joe Horvath, and daughter-in-law, Diane Linda Setren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11, from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello.  Her funeral service will be held on Friday, April 12 at 11:00am at the funeral home with Rev. David Coon officiating. Interment to follow at the Messenger Cemetery, Southwoods Drive in Monticello.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, JDRF, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com