Lela Jane Polumbo 1925-2019

Jane’s singing career began as a youngster, when she used car repair ramps as a stage to sing and read poetry to her neighbors. In school, she sang in many operettas and later went on to study music in Brooklyn, N.Y. She continued her music as a member of many church choirs until a stroke claimed her voice.

Jane’s skill as a seamstress began as a clerk at Omitz Dry Goods Store in Kenmore and continued as she made all her own clothes, draperies and accessories. Quilting and crocheting skills were handed down through her grandmother. After one of her crocheted bedspreads was displayed in Penney’s front window in downtown Akron, copies could be found everywhere. However, it didn’t take a trained eye to see that they were just cheap imitations. To this day, her prize-winning afghans grace the homes of both family and friends.

Jane was an avid gardener whose sauce and meatballs rivaled the best restaurants. Chrysler Imperial Roses from her homegrown bushes provided petals for her annual Christmas sachets. Her love of nature and wildlife was unsurpassed. Assorted birds daily visited her segregated baths, large in the rear and babies out front in the shallow pool with the deer and rabbits. One had to walk with great care in her yard as rabbits darted like lightning through the rock in her Mary Garden, around the bushes, and back under the fence. Jane’s Trumpet Vines provided a safe haven for many birds, especially hummingbirds, who visited her regularly while she sat on her back porch. Once a baby deer came up to ask where its mother was. I didn’t know they could talk, but that was quite a conversation.

Jane also liked people, especially those who had been burnt or had scars and would strike up a conversation with those society had cast aside, this due to her own burns and scars suffered at the age of 3.

Dancing was her passion; that’s when Jane met her husband, Albert E. Polumbo, Sr., who passed away Jan. 20, 2001. Also preceding her in death were her parents, an older sister, a twin brother, and two sons, Gregory and Tommy.

After raising her family, Jane went back to work at Southside Hospital until she retired. She enjoyed traveling and held memberships in many local clubs.

Jane leaves behind four children, Nanette, Denese, Ray and Albert II, along with five grandchildren and two great grandsons.

There will be a special Marian Rosary held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown. A private reception by reserved invitation only will follow the Mass.

Memorial contributions can be made to Caritas of Birmingham Alabama, 100 Our Lady Queen of Peace Drive, Sterrett, AL 35147-9987.

Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Wm Nicholas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 614 Warren Ave., Niles, OH 44446.

(special notice)