Edith Kohler

Born on October 8, 1930, in the quiet town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, Edith was the beloved daughter of Emma and Edmund Rohleder. She grew up alongside her eldest brother, Elmar, and her younger siblings, Erika, Christa, Karl Heinz, and Susie. Her early years were spent navigating the hardship and uncertainty of World War II, a time that forged the resilience, grace, and steady courage that defined the rest of her life.

It was in her hometown that Edith met the love of her life, Heinz Kohler. They were married on October 31, 1953, beginning a partnership built on devotion and shared dreams. Driven by Heinz’s wish to build a brighter future for their family, the young couple set sail for America, arriving in New York on January 18, 1960. They initially made their home in the Bronx, where they welcomed their first son, Thomas. Nine years later, their family was completed with the birth of their second son, Denis.

Together, Edith and Heinz worked tirelessly to turn their American dream into a reality. Their devotion and perseverance led them to their very first house in Hawthorne, New York. Eventually, they took a leap of faith to start their own business, moving the family to Staten Island. Working side by side seven days a week, they poured their hearts into making the business a success.

When Heinz passed away, Edith was widowed at just 53 years old. Facing life’s struggles with remarkable strength, she carried on with a positive spirit that never wavered. Edith lived her life with open arms—she was deeply loving, endlessly accepting, and fiercely supportive of everyone around her. She cherished her community and brought joy to those around her through her warmth, infectious sense of humor, and her legendary Christmas cookies.

Edith leaves behind a rich legacy of love in her two sons and their spouses, her three grandchildren—Eric, Justin, and Courtney—and her two precious great-grandchildren, Eloise and Wells. She touched every heart she met with her kindness, and while she will be deeply missed, her sweet spirit and enduring strength live on in the family she loved so dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, US, on September 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Burial of Ashes will take place at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Rd, New York, NY 10306, US, on September 10, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/.