Aija Grinbergs

Aija Grinbers, 88, passed away in the comfort of her home in Kingston, NY. Aija was the beloved daughter of the late Haralds and Eleonora (Lindbergs) Alksnis in Riga, Latvia. She emigrated to the United States in 1951 with her mother Eleonora, sister Mara, brother John, and their cousin Olga Paze (known to the family as Uki). They lived in Brooklyn before settling in Valhalla, NY. In Aija’s teen years, she enjoyed volunteering at Blythedale Children’s Hospital as a Candy Striper. As a single mom of a 3 year old daughter, she moved to White Plains, NY, where she established a new beginning to provide the best for her family. Aija worked and retired as a Bookkeeper for the Polera Building Corporation in Scarsdale, NY. Aija was caring, soft spoken, and a big hearted soul always thinking of others and giving 100 percent in all that she did. Aija loved her family, children, animals, and going to car shows. She enjoyed spending time at the Latvian Lutheran Summer Camp in Elka Park, NY with her family. Her family has since carried on the love and traditions of their Latvian heritage, and continue to attend the camp to this day. Aija will be remembered as a great mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her memory and smile will live on and the joy of her presence will remain in the hearts of many.

Aija is survived by her daughter Ramona Kristina Heaton, her wife Jess, and their sons Julian DeSylva and Ethan Heaton. She leaves behind her brother John Alksnis, his daughter Leslie Batta, her husband Mike, and their children Amelia and Michael. Also, John’s son Christopher Alksnis and his husband Neal Lochrie. Aija is predeceased by her sister Mara, who passed away in 2024. Aija is also survived by her nieces Katrina Bundy and Anita Boedefeld, nephews Erik Boedefeld and Jon Boedefeld, and their respective families in Wisconsin. She also leaves behind her dear friends Gunta in Hawaii, Janice and Marie in White Plains, NY, and Anna in Kingston, NY.

Burial will be held at Kensico Cemetery 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY at a later date.

Aija will be buried along with her beloved sister Mara, joining their mother Eleonora, cousin Uki, and sister-in-law Laurel (Pinky) Alksnis.