Hedwig (Stoll) Cifra of West Milford, N.J. died on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was 84.
Hedwig was born in Zeigelberg, Germany, and moved to the United State in 1963.
The highlight of her life was her retirement in Ft. Pierce, Florida, where she lived for 15 years enjoying sunshine and ocean views.
She defined her life as a mother and grandmother. She loved her family, bringing other people joy and happiness, making them smile with stories and humor and often quoted German proverbs and idioms, known as “Oma-isms” by those who loved her.
Until her illness, she was an avid knitter, creating sweaters, socks and mittens for her beloved family.
She is survived by her children: Gabriele (Alan) Fischer of Madison, Conn., Renate (David) Dunsmore of Syracuse, N.Y., Sabine (Daniel) Harrison, of West Milford, N.J., Frank (Denise) Cifra, of Easton, Pa., and David (Laura) DuBois of Springfield, Va.; and nine grandchildren: Denise, Amber-Rose, Meaghan, Kristen, Jenna, Josette, Catherine, Damon and Lyla. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Brianna, Brycen and Jasper.
She is predeceased by her loving husband of 44 years Joseph Cifra and sister Genevieve Melnychuck.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (www.alzinfo.org).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 1911 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, N.J.