HEDWIG STIEFF

     Hedwig Stieff was born on June 20, 1934, in the picturesque town of Bad Windsheim, Germany, to Mr. Frederick Hassolt and his beloved wife, Anna Frederike Babette Hassolt (née Berthold).  She attended public school and blossomed into a young woman full of heart and resilience. After completing high school, she devoted her time to working in the home of a priest, caring tenderly for a family of five boys and shaping young lives with her nurturing spirit. Later, she found joy as an assistant kindergarten teacher, sharing her warmth with little ones beginning their journeys.

     Hedwig's childhood was marked by the shadow of World War II, where she spent her early days darting in and out of air raid shelters, her courage growing with each passing moment. Despite the hardships, she persevered, calling Germany home for 22 years. But life had something beautiful in store. In 1955, she met the man who would forever change her world—George C. Stieff, Jr. Their love bloomed quickly, and on a crisp winter’s day, January 19, 1956, they promised to spend forever together, embarking on a love story that would stand the test of time.

     On March 17, 1957, Hedwig arrived in the United States, settling first in Sacramento, California. Deeply moved by her love for her new country, she proudly became a United States citizen on November 9, 1959.

     Hedwig’s life was marked by her dedication to helping others and her unwavering consistency in her passions. She loved to travel, solve puzzles, and sing, but her heart always found its way back to her garden in Pemberton, NJ, where she lived for 46 years. Her passion for flowers led her to Burlington College, where she studied flower arranging, a skill she cherished throughout her life. Her love for her garden reflected her vibrant spirit, and it brought her immense joy.

     A devoted member of the New Apostolic Church for 48 years, Hedwig lived a life of compassion and generosity. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, embodying the values of kindness and selflessness. Her warmth and care left a lasting impact on everyone who knew he

     Hedwig Stieff is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, George C. Stieff, Jr., who stood by her side through a lifetime of love and shared memories. Hedwig came from a small family in Germany and was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by her nephews, Ginder Hassolt, Frank, and Stephen Holzinger, as well as her nieces, Elke Brand and Carmen Holzinger, all of West Germany. In the United States, she leaves behind her nieces Deborah Jones, Tricia Hood, Carolyn Kinney, and Summer Jones. Additionally, she is survived by her brother-in-law, Frank (Hester) Stieff, her sister-in-law, Mattie Stieff, and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and their children. Hedwig also leaves her cherished church family and many dear friends, who will miss her deeply.

​     Her memory will continue to live on through both sides of her family, who were fortunate to be touched by her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Her legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Services are scheduled for Friday, September 20th, at the Lankenau Funeral Home, 31 Elizabeth Street, Pemberton, NJ 08068. A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Rd, Arneytown, N. Hanover Twp., NJ 08562.

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