Erna S. Magnarella, 82, passed away on May 15th 2007 at The Rio Rancho Health Care Center in Rio Rancho New Mexico. Erna was a Loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother to her Family. She was predeceased by her husband Lee and her daughter Nancy and is survived by her son Jimmy, her granddaughter Lydia Millar (Lydia's husband Ted) and her grandson Lee Gordon. Erna was born on May 6th 1925 in White Plains NY the daughter of Henry and Erna (Schiller) Sturmer. Although she had been trained to become a Concert Pianist by the late Edwin Gerschefski, her passion to educate children dictated that she bring her Musical Talents to the Classroom and the Junior Choir. Upon graduating from White Plains High School in '43', Erna taught a Summer Music Program with the YWCA for more than a dollar a day, a slightly higher wage than her peers received, as a reward for her Musical Expertise. After graduating from the accelerated Teaching Program at SUNY Oneonta in '47', Erna taught Kindergarten in Margaretville and then in Amenia before moving her classroom to Millbrook. For 25 years, Erna taught Kindergarten at The Millbrook Elm-Drive Elementary School and was the Junior Choir Director at The Lyall Memorial Federated Church. Erna's curriculum always included lots of singing, marching and dancing to enhance the learning experience and her student body eventually included second generation Family Members. Erna's passion for Ballroom Dancing dominated her retirement years in Florida and earned her Platinum Status. She mastered Tango, Mambo, Rumba and California Swing. Erna became an active member of the United Methodist Church and participated in the United Methodist Woman's organization. Her final years were spent living near her son in New Mexico where they enjoyed they're closeness and caring in the splendor of the Southwest. Quick to laugh, to listen, to tell it like it is and to lend a helping hand, Erna will be remembered as "The Best", a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Teacher, Musician and Friend to all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Poughkeepsie Journal