Lia Janice Brennan Of Jefferson Valley Dies At 83

Via Clark Funeral Home.

Lia Janice Brennan, age 83, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2019, in her home surrounded by her family and her faithful bodyguard, Shadow, her loving Chihuahua. Born Cornelia Janice Luttenberg on July 6, 1935, in Manhattan, NY, to John and Janice Luttenberg (surname later changed to Bal). Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Woodside, Queens NY where she spent her childhood.

Lia attended the High School of Performing Arts in NYC for two years and later graduated from PS 125 in Queens.

Lia served in the United States Air Force as a personnel specialist from 1953-1955 at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, TX. During that time Lia was with the WAF (Woman in the Air Force) where she performed as a singer and actress in the All WAF shows. Later in her service, Lia received the National Defense Service medal.

After her time in the Air Force, Lia worked several jobs from telephone operator to cigarette girl at the Copacabana, in its heyday. In 1965, Lia married John Brennan (Div. 1993) and settled in Jefferson Valley, NY, in 1970, where she lived for 49 years. During that time, Lia worked for the United States Postal Service in Jefferson Valley, NY, as a senior clerk for over 20 years.

Lia is survived by her children Liane Buttiglire of Jefferson Valley, NY, Lauren Stellwagen (Michael Stellwagen) of Somers, NY, John Glenn Brennan of Bedford Hills, NY, her grandchildren Michael, Christopher and Caitlyn Stellwagen, her sister Coralin Parker of NJ, and her brother John Andres Bal of Manhattan. Lia will also be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Lia.

Lia will be remembered as a passionate writer of children’s books, plays and poems. Given her extensive vocabulary, Lia was a fierce Scrabble player. Many times, the children were banned from entering the kitchen when she and her best friend Cathy were having an intense game that lasted for hours.

Always exploring her crafty side, Lia had enjoyed photography, sewing, and crocheting. Lia’s favorite pastimes were bingo and musical theatre, especially if her granddaughter was in a performance. Lia will be sorely missed by her grandchildren who affectionately called her “Meema.”

A ceremony will be held from 10 a.m to noon Saturday to celebrate Lia’s wonderful life. A luncheon at Traditions restaurant in Yorktown Heights will follow immediately after.

We will be having an Honor Guard memorial in the Spring (TBD) when Lia’s brother returns from overseas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Putnam Humane Society in Carmel, NY, please click on the link below for information.

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