IN MEMORIAM
Elena Doyle, 71;
Renown Pastry Chef
EAST MEREDITH – Maria Elena “Elena” Doyle, 71, who owned Elena’s Sweet Indulgence in Oneonta, died peacefully on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at her home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Born in Queens, NY, daughter of Silvio Ghianda and Mary (Gerolamo) Ghianda, Elena moved to East Meredith in 1989. A long-standing member of the Oneonta business community, she owned and operated Elena’s Sweet Indulgence in Oneonta, NY for more than 20 years and was one of the area’s premier wedding caterers.
A gifted Italian chef and pastry chef, Elena’s dedication to her trade was admired by all and she was well known as someone who worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She served her community with her love of food but more importantly with the love and kindness she bestowed upon all of the people in her life. Countless community members have been touched by Elena’s time, generosity and unending willingness to listen, be there for others, and help however she can. Elena’s passing will leave a hole in many hearts and she will always be remembered for her loving and kind spirit.
Elena is predeceased by her husbands, Robert Jill, father of her five beloved children, and Edward Doyle, her husband of 20 years, as well as her son, Andrew Jill. She leaves two sons, Matthew Jill (Maria Natale) and Brendan Jill; two daughters, Lisa Bezdany (Mark) and Jennifer Jill (Xavier Staggs); a step-son, Steven Doyle and a step-daughter, Tina Doyle (James). She also leaves behind three beautiful granddaughters, her loving brothers and sister, Robert Ghianda, Ronald Ghianda and Darlene Weber (Jack); 6 nieces and nephews; a loving life partner of several years, Michael Tracy and family, and countless community members whom she considered family.
Calling hours will be 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 27, at Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta, New York, 13820.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Elena at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, at St. Mary ‘s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Interment will follow at East Meredith Cemetery.
Memorial donations in memory of Elena may be made to David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research at, giving.mskcc.org.
For online condolences, visit, www.lhpfuneralhome.com
She was a lovely woman. She made a beautiful cake for my 17th birthday. I still have the ribbon that was around that beautiful creation she made for me. I just turned 41. She touched many lives with her desserts.