Jennie Louise Hall

Jennie Louise Hall passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, at the remarkable age of 104.

Born Jennie Louise Norville on June 5, 1921, she was the daughter of Pauline Sanders, who immigrated through Ellis Island from Lithuania. Jennie was one of seven children--Glen, Helen, John, Pauline, Adolph (Beans), and Francis--with whom she shared lifelong, cherished bonds that extended to their children and grandchildren. She spent her early years in several places but fondly remembered her time living adjacent to Myers Park and Ludlowville High School, where she graduated in 1941.

As a young woman, Jennie moved to Ithaca, New York, where she met the love of her life, Samuel Hall. They were married in 1948 and went on to share 65 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, partnership, and family until Sam’s passing in 2013. Together, they raised three sons: Jim (Cindy), who passed away in 2005; Steve (Margy McEntee); and Will (Robert Allen). Jennie created a home in the Fall Creek neighborhood that was a gathering place--filled with warmth, delicious meals, and a deep sense of belonging for both immediate and extended family.

She was a loving grandmother to Tyler (Dana) of Syracuse, NY; Paige (Greg Miller) of Toronto, ON; Samuel and Jonathan of West, TX; Stephanie Allen (Drew Rice) of Clifton Springs, NY; and Scott Allen of Portland, OR. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Theo and Chloe (Tyler), Louise (Paige), and Liam, Anevay, Desmond, and Jett (Stephanie). Her love for her family was constant and unwavering, and she left an undeniable impact across generations. Jennie also had a special love for animals, especially her beloved dachshund, Twiggy, and in her later years, Steve and Margy’s dogs.

Jennie was devoted to her family in every sense of the word. She never missed a birthday, faithfully sending cards for every holiday and making sure to sing “Happy Birthday”--a small ritual that meant everything to those she loved. She stayed closely connected through weekly--often daily--phone calls, nurturing relationships that spanned generations.

She carried that same warmth into her community. Jennie volunteered at VFW Post 817, where she rarely missed her weekly bingo games, and after leaving the Fall Creek neighborhood, spent 25 years living at McGraw House, forming meaningful friendships with neighbors and staff alike. She was a familiar and beloved presence in downtown Ithaca--walking the Commons, stopping to chat with friends, shop owners, and even strangers, often reaching out to hold an arm as she spoke. For years, her routine included a stop at Collegetown Bagels for her favorite toasted sesame seed bagel, a simple pleasure that became part of the rhythm of her days. Jennie also spent time working at the Ithaca Pocketbook Factory before joining Morse Chain to support their efforts during World War 2. She closed her career tending to Riley-Robb Hall at Cornell University, where she was a beloved colleague to many.

Jennie’s later years were enriched by the companionship and care of many who became like family. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Cathy Stillwell, Kathy Rumsey, Holly Wendt, and their families for the joy they brought to Jennie’s life through outings to Stewart Park, trips to McDonald’s, and their steadfast friendship and care.

Above all, Jennie will be remembered as a woman who loved deeply and made everyone around her feel her love. She built community wherever she went, maintained her independence and strength well into her later years, and left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Her life was defined by connection, kindness, and an enduring commitment to the people she loved, as well as a true affinity for cookies, any time of day!

A service will be held on Friday at Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca, New York, with calling hours beginning at 9:30AM and the service at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McGraw House, Attn: Garden Club (221 South Geneva Street, Ithaca NY 14850) and if you'd really like to celebrate the spirit of Jennie, have a cookie and send a card to a loved one--you'll make your day and someone else's, just as she would have liked.