Obituary of Lillian M. Raniewicz

Age 93, passed away unexpectedly at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on Thursday, May 24, 2018.  Lillian was born in Blossburg PA, daughter to Victor A. and Lenora Hayes Mitchell.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Theodore “Ted” Raniewicz on July 14, 2017.  She was also predeceased by her four brothers, William, Robert, Edward and Charles Mitchell; son-in-law Jeffrey D. Rosenberg.  Lillian is survived by son John H. “Jack” Raniewicz of Elmira; daughter Bonnie M. Raniewicz of Elmira; son Charles M. Raniewicz of Ithaca; granddaughters, Christina A. Faulkner of Austin TX and Jozlyn M. Parsons of Spencer NY; sisters-in-law, Marian Mitchell of Warminster PA and Louise “Midge” Mitchell of Apalachin NY; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.  Lillian was a graduate of Covington High School and Elmira Business Institute.  In addition to raising her three children Lillian worked at a variety of places including Elmira Bank and Trust, Westinghouse in Horseheads, Kodak in Rochester NY, and the Small Business Administration in Elmira helping families after the 1972 flood.  Lillian worked for over 25 years (many as the bookkeeper) at Floral Fantasy in Elmira, the flower shop owned by her daughter Bonnie.    Lillian and her husband Ted loved music and dancing. They were members of the Soaring Polka Association where Lillian was treasurer and worked on the newsletter for many years.  They learned to polka at the White Eagles Club where they were long time members.  Lillian was a devout Catholic and a long time communicant of St. Casimir’s Church.   She grew up on the family farm in Blossburg in the house her father built.   Her greatest passion was sewing.  She made and altered clothing for the family, created beautiful home furnishings and original crafts.  She often referred to herself as “just an old sew and sew”.  Lillian also enjoyed and excelled at baking (especially pies), playing cards and gardening.   Most importantly she was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Lillian was grateful that she was able to stay in her home of 66 years where she could enjoy the beauty and nature around her.  Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Casimir’s Church.  Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery.  Those wishing may remember Lillian with a donation to Christ the Redeemer Parish, 1010 Davis Street, Elmira NY  14901.