Obituaries
Ilse A. Hemmerich, 94
September 8, 1925 - April 13, 2020
Ilse Apprich Hemmerich, also known as “Ilse Mouse,” 94, of Lititz, transitioned on Monday, April 13, 2020 into the land of no more worries, warm sunny beaches, and abundant shopping malls.
Born and raised in Wyomissing, she was the daughter of the late R. Nicholas and Ellen (Beyer) Apprich. She married Erich O. Hemmerich in 1946 and spent most of her married life in Blainsport, PA.
Ilse graduated in 1943 from Wyomissing High School and went on to work at Carl A. Spatz Field in Reading, PA as a secretary in the Special Services Department. In 1948, she became a world-renowned foot model for full-fashion hosiery manufactured by Hemmerich Industries. Ilse loved spending time in her flower gardens, doing needlepoint, completing NY Times crossword puzzles, and going to the theater. She reigned supreme in entertaining and will always be remembered for her special brownie recipe. She spent many years volunteering in the gift shops at Ephrata Community Hospital and Lancaster General Health and always came home with bags of goodies for friends and family.
Ilse is survived by her children, Peter Hemmerich, Ephrata, PA; Erica Melanio, Wernersville, PA; Nick Hemmerich, Reinholds, PA; and Helene Williams, Lititz, PA. She was an incredibly loving Grandma to six grandchildren and Gigi to three great-grandchildren, who she adored spending time and vacationing with in Ocean City, NJ. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruth Jacob, Ellen Brumbach, and Luise Leinbach— together with Ilse known as “The Apprich Girls”—and she missed them tremendously.
A private graveside memorial will take place with immediate family members only, with an extended celebration for friends and family to be planned when larger gatherings are again possible. Ilse requests that happy memories, merrymaking, and dancing abound in her remembrance.
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Condolences to the Family
April 18, 2020
Dear Louie Nick Peter and Riki,Words can’t express my profound sorrow with the passing of your mother. I was privileged to know this beautiful thoughtful and kind woman. She will be long remembered in my heart. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Love and prayers Ilda Avanzato
April 17, 2020
Dear Ilse’s Family,
I got to know Ilse when my mother, Betty Bomberger, moved into terrace Crossing in January 2018. My Mom was very sad leaving her apartment and having to move to personal care. Ilse immediately befriended mom and said “I am a newbie, also.” My mom only lived for four weeks after that, but in that short time, Ilse became a good friend to her and especially to me. I will miss your kindness, generosity and caring. Please let me know when you have a public service.
With love and am sadness for this beautiful soul,
Venona (Nonie) Detrick
April 16, 2020
My deepest condolences… Ilse was such a gift to me… She was like a second mother. My heart broke when our relationship ended. I learned so much from her. I was one of her biggest fans. A day does not go by that I don’t think of her and use what she taught me. She was such a lady. May she rest in peace.
Gale Zorian
April 15, 2020
To Peter, Rick,Nick and Louie,
I was so sorry to hear of llse’s passing. It was truly a blessing to have known her and shared so many wonderful memories. I am also happy that I was able to spend last Christmas with her at Kris and Kate’s annual Christmas brunch. My thoughts go out to all of you at this time. Ruth
April 15, 2020
We are so sorry to hear that Ilse A. Hemmerich has passed away. We were very fortunate to having her at our home to bless us. We will miss a very sweet spoken with smile great lady known as Nick’s mom. We pray to God to give peace to her soul and strength to her family to bear this great loss.
Kamal Vijayvargiya, Indira, Chetan, and Neha
April 15, 2020
Liebe Riki, Louie, Nick und Peter,
verzeiht mir, wenn ich Eure Mutter auf deutsch würdige, ich glaube, dass ich es auf englisch nicht schaffen würde, all das zu sagen, was sie auch mir bedeutet hat.
Ich kam vor 46 Jahren 1974 in Eure Familie und insbesondere Ilse hat mich aufgenommen, dass ich mir sofort und dann immer wieder mehr vorkam wie ein Mitglied Eurer Familie. Ich habe im Laufe von mehr als 25 Besuchen bei ihr und 5 Besuchen von ihr bei uns in all diesen Jahren ein so enges Verhältnis zu ihr aufgebaut, dass ich oft gesagt habe, dass sie für mich so etwas wie eine zweite Mutter war.
ich bin unendlich traurig und die Tatsache, dass ich sie nicht mehr besuchen durfte wegen der Beschränkungen in der jetzigen Krise, hat mich sehr unglücklich gemacht.
Ich denke an Euch in diesen schweren Stunden und bitte Euch, zumindest auf diesem Wege ganz nahe bei Euch sein zu dürfen in unserem gemeinsamen Schmerz.
Christian
April 15, 2020
One special lady –Going to miss my Tante Ilse ❤️but betcha the Apprich girls are getting the party started !
Linda
