Obituary of Hedwig Neumann

Our beloved Hedwig passed earlier this week at the age of (91) in Fairfield, CT. She was predeceased (40) years earlier by her husband, Helmut.

She is survived by her three children: Siegfried, Doris(Bob) and Ronald(Patricia), five grandchildren Robert, Daniele(Matt), Katie, Melissa(John) and Jenna and a soon to arrive a Great Grandson Baby Yudt.

Hedwig Neumann was born to Paul and Auguste Sterling on December 9, 1929 in Wolhynien, Poland (now Volhyn, Ukraine).She was the first daughter born to Auguste joining brothers Paul(Wanda), Eduard(Martha) and August(Gretel), as well as her father’s older children Josef and Anna whose mother had died in childbirth. Brothers Bruno(Uta) and Karl(Nada) and Sisters Gustl(Hans), Lilli, Hildegard(Richard) and Renate(Dennis) would complete the large Sterling Family.

She and Helmut began their life together in Trossingen, Germany. Their life centered around their Church Immanuel Kirche. Her, faith and family would become her calling and commitment throughout her life. Emblazoned on the church wall – Ein Herr, Ein Glaube, Eine Taufe (One God, One Faith and One Baptism).

Her love for Helmut would transcend a World War and immigration to the United States. They enjoyed many happy years together. When called she was completely devoted to caring for Helmut as he battled ALS. She would lean on her faith throughout this five-year ordeal.

Some of her happiest times were at Immanuel Baptist Church in Woodside Queens entertaining family, missionaries and even gospel singers. She served the church faithfully and it became the center of her universe. She was the custodian and gardener for the Church. Her prized roses and flower boxes filled with white and red geraniums were her pride and joy. A great cook, Hedwig would host different guests every Sunday including family and friends enjoying a light dinner before the evening service.

Never afraid of hard work she would find plenty throughout her life. She always had a job. To her a job was a job and she never shied away from any opportunity. At home she would sew clothes and slipcovers for the family and did all the perms for the ladies.

She was overjoyed to see her own family expand as her children married and she would begin welcoming grandchildren to dote over. Ever the caring Oma she loved to gaze into the eyes of each of her grandchildren. She and Siggy were always there for every birthday, recital, sporting and school event. She as her mother said – “Grandchildren are the interest on your investment”.

Recently, Siggy found a phrase she had been studying; Herr Dir in die Hande sei Unfang und Ende sei alles gelegt (Lord, everything is put in your hands The Beginning and The End - Morike).

The family will receive family and friends prior to the service from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Hedwig’s Pastor Henry Brehm from First Baptist Church of Fairfield, where she attended, will conduct her funeral service at the funeral home from 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Friends may also attend the service remotely via zoom- see below). Hedwig will be buried with her husband on Tuesday at 11am in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, NY.

Memorial contributions may be directed to ALS.org. For travel directions, or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com 

Zoom connection:

Robert Mattis is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Service for Hedwig Neumann
Time: Apr 26, 2021 05:45 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Robert J. Mattis, Jr.

robert.j.mattis@gmail.com

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