She had an uncredited role as a surly housekeeper, and only appeared briefly in one scene. In fact, there were only two females in the entire movie, both in brief appearances.

She was sad that little boys and girls were afraid of her in person when in fact, she loved little children more than anything.

I think they brought up elements of pretending with witch props as well as a lot of personal reassurance.

That's how my old lady brain remembers it anyway. I thought she was really cool.