IN MEMORIAM: Ella Jean Baumgardner, 96;

First Husband Killed During World War II

ONEONTA – Ella Jane Baumgardner, 96, formerly of Oneonta, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at her home in Liverpool.

She was born in Russia, Herkimer County, in 1922, the daughter of the late William and Helen Jones, and was raised on a farm in Milford.

Jane was married to John “Sonny” Brienza, who was killed in World War II.  In 1947, Jane married Edward P. Baumgardner and together they raised their family in Oneonta.

She was retired from SUNY Oneonta.

Jane moved to Liverpool in 2011 and enjoyed her retirement with friends and family at The Hearth at Greenpoint.

Jane loved to crochet hand towels for family and friends. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and was an avid bingo player. A true animal lover, she was especially fond of Beagles. Jane was a great baker. Pies and half-moon cookies were her specialty. She enjoyed visits from her Oneonta friends, who made regular trips to Liverpool. Her laugh was unique and infectious. Family was the most important part of her life. She was loved by many, especially her family. We will miss her forever.

Jane is survived by her three children, Gale J. Lukaczyk (Stephen), North Syracuse, Dennis (Sharon) Baumgardner, Wildwood, Fla. and Ronald (Kathleen) Brienza, Marietta; grandchildren, John (Lisa) Brienza, Jennifer Thompson, Stacy (Christopher) Klob, Michael (Tara) Baumgardner, Joseph Lukaczyk and Jared Lukaczyk; great-grandchildren, Carmen and Carli Brienza, Taylor and TJ Thompson, Tristan and Sawyer Klob and Leo Baumgardner; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by husband, Edward P. Baumgardner; siblings, Luther Jones, Dorothy Mackey, Ruth Simmons and Mary Palmer.

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Oneonta, officiating.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.