Lillian Gloria Onifer

Lillian G. Onifer, 93, passed away peacefully at the Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in York, PA on January 16, 2026, after a short illness. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lillian’s life exemplified faith, strength, and unconditional love.

Lillian was born in West Hazleton, PA to the late Michael and Catherine (Garbacik) Krzemien on September 1, 1932. She met her husband, Stephen D. Onifer, in Hazle Township High School and they married in 1952. Their 73 years of marriage included Stephen serving 22 years in the USAF and raising their family with assignments in Spain, England and the USA. After Stephen’s retirement from the USAF in 1973, they settled in Rome, NY, where Lillian worked at the Utica-Rome Airport and Griffiss AFB until they relocated to New Freedom, PA in 1998 to be closer to family.

Lillian enjoyed participating in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, always remembering birthdays and hosting holiday events at her home. She was an excellent cook and homemaker, an active bowler as well as a devoted choir member and participant in various ministries at the Griffiss AFB and St. Peter’s Catholic churches in Rome, NY, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Freedom, PA. Lillian was a sports fan, especially of her children’s and of Notre Dame and Syracuse University games.

In addition to her husband, Lillian is survived by her sons, Stephen M. Onifer and David (Patricia) Onifer; daughter, Sharon (Andris J.) Jaunzemis; grandsons, Stephen (Lauren) Jaunzemis, Andris D. (Samantha) Jaunzemis, and Aleks (Caroline) Jaunzemis; as well as great-granddaughters, Lily and Evie Jaunzemis. She was predeceased by brothers Leon, Louis, and Michael Krzemien, and sister Agnes Vidinski.

A viewing with the family present will be held at 11AM on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, New Freedom, PA 17349, followed by a 12PM funeral mass celebrating Lillian’s life. A reception for friends and family will follow at the church’s Neumann Hall.

In honor of Lillian’s devotion to her faith and her love for pets, the family suggests donations to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 315 N. Constitution Ave, New Freedom, PA 17349, or Animal Rescue Inc., 2 Heritage Farm Dr., New Freedom, PA 17349.