Gisela Sekiya

Gisela was born on April 20, 1936, in Berlin, Germany to the late Fritz and Margaret (Zoëllner) Langner. Gisela grew up in Germany before moving to New York City in the late 1950s, a young woman with a bright future ahead. She graduated from New York University earning a bachelor's degree in pre-med and biology and went on to earn her master’s degree in biology from Kean University.

After marrying her husband, Toshihiko Sekiya, she spent some time between New York City and Japan before settling in Elizabeth, NJ in 1968. She also lived in Avenel before settling in Rockaway, splitting her time between NJ and her condo in Manhattan. Initially pursuing a career as a teacher, Gisela found her true calling as a full-time mother, nurturing her family with the same love and care that defined her life.

Gisela spent time doing volunteer work in hospitals and with pet rescues, driven by a deep-seated desire to help others. Whether it provided comfort to those in need or caring for animals, Gisela found fulfillment in giving her time and energy to causes close to her heart.

We will remember her as the best and most dedicated Mom ever, a courageous and dedicated woman that touched and positively inspired so many different lives from so many places. She believed life was a precious gift given to her, and she had no inclination to give it back; she was all in until she just couldn’t be.

Gisela is survived by her husband, Toshihiko Sekiya; her children, Stephen Toshihiko Sekiya and his wife, Szilvia, Christine Washeim and her husband, Kurt and Norman Sekiya and his wife, Patricia and her grandchildren, Zaida, Christopher and Ashley.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 am on Monday June 16, 2025, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 215 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Repast will follow, the family requests an RSVP if you plan to attend the repast.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.