Frieda Eichner

Frieda Eichner of Piscataway, passed away on January 23rd at the remarkable age of 100.

Born November 16, 1925 in Hamburg, Germany, Frieda was the mother of two (Barbara Ballas of Bound Brook, and Ron Eichner of Raritan), a proud grandmother of six, and a cherished great-grandmother to 16 children.

An emigrant from post-war Germany in 1952, she and her late husband, Hans Eichner, decided there would be more opportunity in the United States. With courage, hope and determination they packed their bags and daughter Barbara, left their families behind, made their way through Ellis Island toward a brand new life in New Jersey. Within a year of arriving, Ron was born, Hans was working as a baker, and they moved into the Bound Brook Apartments. Soon, Frieda found work as a seamstress. They also found a wonderful community in which friends became family at the Swim & Sport Club (SSC), now housed in Flanders, NJ. That legacy has lasted through to some of their great-grandchildren who are still members today.

An avid tennis player well into her 80s, Frieda was the heart of family holiday celebrations in the home she and Hans purchased in 1962, a home she lived in until the age of 97. Holidays will never be the same without her homemade German stollen bread, intricate Christmas village, or legendary oversized bowl of stuffing. She played an active and loving role in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, participated in events with the Senior Citizens of Piscataway, and spent many happy days with her family at Ocean Beach II at the Jersey Shore.

Known simply as “Oma” to so many extended family members and friends, she was beloved and will be greatly missed. She leaves behind her children, Barbara and Ron, her daughter-in-law Eileen Eichner, grandchildren Spiro Ballas (Emily), Nick Ballas (Tamara), Ryan Eichner (Anne), Lindsey Underwood (Bret), and Chrysanne Karnick (Matt). She was pre-deceased by her husband Hans, son-in-law Michael Ballas, granddaughter Kate Bennett (Jeremy) and her sister Wilma Hoffmann. Her family is deeply grateful to have celebrated her 100th birthday with her this past November.

Frieda was an avid supporter of the American Red Cross as she always remembered the role they played in Germany after the war – both providing basic needs for so many and helping families reunite after months and years of separation. In lieu of flowers or other donations, the family would like to recognize that legacy by requesting any donations to be made to the Red Cross in her name.

A memorial service will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ.

Cremation was private.

All arrangements are under the care and supervision of Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home.