LAURENS – Eleanor “Elly” Baumann, 95, formerly of Laurens, entered into eternal life January 22, 2026, at Fox Nursing Home.
Elly has been described as quiet, gentle, strong, intelligent, generous, sophisticated, and a great listener. Anyone knowing her knew these attributes.
Born September 8, 1930, in Clifton, New
Jersey, she was the daughter of Frank and Mary Diani. After graduating from
Garfield High School Class of 1948, she continued on to Newark State College,
graduated and went to work.
She was the first female in her high
school class to get her driver’s license – a big event for a young woman of
that time!
On April 24, 1954, she married the love of
her life, Herbert Emil Baumann, also of New Jersey. She then devoted her life to raising her
family.
And a busy life it was! Travelling,
camping throughout the country with her children and most times additional
children of relatives or friends, cooking over campfires, and hiking the hills
and valleys, all while building a full time career.
Elly started back to work in 1966, full
time, for the former National Community Bank in New Jersey. She quickly became
a vice president. In her last six years of her employment she was coordinator
of the employee assistance program. During those years she became a member of
the Twenty Year club, served on the Board of Directors of the Community
Resource Council, and in 1985 was awarded the prestigious “Twin Award” which is
a tribute to women in industry. She retired in 1993 and was honored at her
retirement party with over 300 in attendance. Elly made a lot of lifetime
friends and colleagues in her journey through life; she made a difference for
so many.
Elly’s daughter, Judy, recalls during a
rare blizzard in New Jersey, Elly – having the keys to all the bank branches –
bundled up to brave the wind and snow to walk to the nearest branch to open up
for the day. No roads were open. Her reply to Judy’s question of why she was
going out in this weather was simply, “People will still need their money even
though it’s snowing!” Judy does not recall if Elly had any customers or not
that day.
After retiring, Herb and Elly moved to
South Carolina to help with her aging mom. In between helping her they started
travelling again to different world ports and visiting with old dear friends
and relatives all over the country. Later, at 80 years old, they decided to
tone it down a bit and moved to New York State to be close to family.
She was a member of the Laurens Senior
Citizens Group and also loved her Bible study and the girls of that group. She
attended St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Laurens and loved her Pastor – Pastor
Paul.
She spent her final years at Fox Nursing
Home where she was much loved and lovingly cared for by the fine staff of
nurses and aids. She died with her family and Pastor by her side.
Elly is survived by a daughter, Judy
Gruchacz and her partner, Dave Bassler of Fly Creek; a son, Herbert Paul
Baumann and wife, Lesia, of Knob Noster, Missouri; four grandchildren; and a
brother-in-law, Walter Baumann of Laurens.
She was predeceased by her loving,
lifelong partner, her husband of 65 years who died December 22, 2019. Through
thick and thin they carried on.
Eleanor will be laid to rest with Herb in
Hartwick Cemetery, where a graveside service will be offered at 1 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, with the Rev. Paul R. Messner, Pastor of St.
Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Laurens, officiating.
Elly, though small and quiet will be
greatly missed by those of us who remain. A loving kind soul has gone to be
with her maker. We have wonderful memories to take us forward, and will be
carrying on as she taught us. Thank you, Mom.
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
