Esther Jane Andrews

Verona - Esther Jane Andrews, 86, of Teuscher Road and formerly of Boonville, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2009 at the Presbyterian Home for Central New York in New Hartford, where she had resided since 2006. She was born in Boonville on July 14, 1923, a daughter of William and Floy Hess Lahah. She grew up on Fisher Street and graduated from Boonville High School with the Class of 1941. Mrs. Andrews was then employed at the former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome. On October 19, 1944, Jane was united in marriage with Howard A. Andrews at the First Baptist Church of Boonville. The couple lived in Boonville until moving to Eureka Road in Rome in 1959. From 1962 until her retirement in 1978, Mrs. Andrews was employed at Rome Developmental Center. The couple built a camp on Wellesley Island in the St. Lawrence River several years ago, and they enjoyed spending time there whenever possible. Mr. Andrews died on December 24, 1978. Jane was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Verona, Mappa-Salma Chapter O.E.S. in Boonville, and a 50-year member of Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Boonville. She enjoyed attending the Wednesday morning senior group at St. Peter's Church. Jane was greatly devoted to her family, treasuring the times she spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Jack A. and Bonnie Andrews of Blossvale; two daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Keith O'Dell and Nancy and Keith Herzog, all of Verona; six grandchildren, Chawn O'Dell and his wife, Christine of Canastota, Amy O'Dell and her fianc, Randy Witzigman of Blossvale, Richard and Star Andrews of Rome, Jill Dixon of Durhamville, Jason Herzog of Pittsburg, PA, and Aaron Herzog of Rome; six great- grandchildren, Aidan, Carissa, Meghan, Kaitlyn, Ariana and Molly Jane; many nieces and nephews; and a very special niece, Eleanor Bates of Clayton. The last of her family, Jane was predeceased by six brothers, Arthur, Dean, Lewis, Harry, Herschel, and Francis ("Jack"), who was killed in action during the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944; and by four sisters, Audrey Anna, Eleanor A. Zeigler, Furma Lahah and Bernice Ubdegrove. Her family wishes to extend a sincere note of thanks and appreciation to the staff of the Cedar Unit of the Presbyterian Home for the compassionate care given to Jane. Her funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville, where Pastor Greg Tennerman, interim pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Verona, will officiate. Interment will be in Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Members of Salma Chapter O.E.S. will meet for a service at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 4897 Old Oneida Road, Verona, NY 13478 or to the American Heart Association, Heart Gifts Processing Center, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.