With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Ingrid Berta (Herzhauser) Hirsch, who left us peacefully on January 7, 2025. Known to many for her unwavering devotion, strength, and compassion, she was a cherished mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend whose presence will forever be missed.
Ingrid’s heart was always with her family. She was deeply committed to the care and guidance of her children and grandchildren, selflessly pouring love and support into their lives. Her greatest joy was in being an active part of raising her grandchildren, offering them the same love, wisdom, and strength that she had imparted to her own children. Her love was vast and extended beyond her family; she had a boundless generosity toward all people, and her kindness knew no limits.
Her life was a testament to empathy, compassion, and fierce independence. She was sassy, yet gentle, stubborn yet deeply caring. Her fiery spirit and strong will were matched only by the depth of her love and faith. She was a woman of deep conviction, always ready to lend a hand, share wisdom, and offer her heart. She believed in the importance of quality time, legacy, and serving others, and she embodied these values in everything she did. Her generosity reached beyond the walls of her home, as she constantly sought ways to help those less fortunate, giving of herself without hesitation.
Born April 12, 1939, in Heidelberg, Germany. Her life was filled with a strong German heritage, Ingrid was a woman of incredible perseverance and determination. She embraced life’s challenges with grace and strength, teaching herself English with a commitment that reflected her unyielding spirit. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and it inspired all who knew her.
Though she has left this world, her spirit will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Her lessons, love, and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to have known her. We give thanks for the gift of her life—the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the example she set. May her soul rest in peace, and may we honor her memory by carrying forward the strength, love, and service she so freely gave.
Ingrid was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Robert J. “Nagel” Hirsch; eldest son, Everett D. Hirsch; mother, Franziska Gembe-Herzhauser, brothers, Rolf Kettenman and Hans-Jürgen Herzhauser; and sister-in-laws, Barbara A. (Hirsch) Stine and husband John, and Mary Ann (Hirsch) Toth.
She is survived by her children, daughter, Patricia M. Hirsch of Mechanicsburg PA; son, Robert R. Hirsch and fiancée Peggy of New Cumberland PA; and son, David A. Hirsch and wife Linda of Mechanicsburg; grandchildren, Nicole D. Paoletti, Erica L. White-Sahd (Joseph), Eliza A. White, Daniel R. Hirsch, Matthew D. Hirsch (Jacqueline), Nathaniel R. Hirsch (Jeremy), Joseph N. Thomas (Emily), Leah M. Hirsch, Courtney R. Hirsch, Mandy C. Richardson (Thomas), Andrea M. Stewart (Richard), Jason R. Gelb, Jesse A. Gelb (Jessy); great-grandchildren, Angelina, Bradshaw, Easton, Caiden, Isaiah, Calder, Nia, Rylan, Ryker, Bryson, Dannelys, Kayden, Kiera, Kamryn, Jaylynn, Jax, Josslyn, and Jace.
Ingrid is survived by sisters, Susanna E. (Herzhauser) Tekut of Abilene TX and Christa-Petra (Gembe) Tylus and husband Mark of Flushing MI and sister in law, Catherine (Hirsch) Strausbaugh and husband John of Mechanicsburg PA and closest friends she considered family; Lynn, Alex, Phil, Janet, Norma, Peg, Barb, Chris, Dawn, Satina, John and Clark.
Funeral services for family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with a viewing from 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. mass service at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mechanicsburg PA. The burial service will be at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Monday, January 20, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Diabetes Association or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
