Obituary of Helene Birkner Armannsberger

Helene Birkner Armannsberger, 77, of New Hartford, New York, passed away Friday, May 5, 2017, at Masonic Care Community, Utica, New York with her loving family at her side. Helene was born January 8, 1940, in Munich, Germany. Before settling in Nedrow, NY in 1963 with her husband Josef, she worked in Munich as a model and as a bookkeeper. In Syracuse, Helene was employed by Syracuse China Factory, Rockwell International, Syracuse City School District (Y-Med), and several food service positions over the years. Helene treasured her family above all else and was known to all as "Oma". With her Bavarian accent and sharp wit,Oma would put a smile on everyone's face. Through all the years of struggle with her illnesses,she always managed to persevere because of her strong Bavarian pride,which she has passed on to her daughters and grandchildren.Oma was the "Hostess with the Mostess" (Schweinebraten,Knoedel,Spaetzle,,and her famous Christmas cookies.) Her ultimate pride was her family and doting on Elise,Marlena and Cutler. They brought the most joy to her life. Predeceased by her husband, Josef, Helene is lovingly survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Esther (Mike) Grakowsky of Pittsford, New York and Susan (Frank) Cristiano of New Hartford, New York; two granddaughters, Elise and Marlena Grakowsky; one grandson, Cutler Cristiano; two brothers, Maximillian Birkner-Winkler of Italy and Heinz Birkner of Munich, Germany. Calling Hours: Monday, May 8, 2017, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York. Funeral Services: Tuesday, May 9, 2017,9:30 a.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home and 10:00 a.m. in St. James Church, 4845 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York,where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Burial: Onondaga Valley Cemetery, 2500 Valley Drive, Syracuse, New York. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 Many thanks and appreciation to all of Oma's caregivers over the years and especially to all her "Schatzies"at Masonic Care Community.