Erna M. von Autenried

Erna Margaret von Autenried, née Bergmann (Park Ridge, age 90) passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the Emerson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, NJ. Erna was predeceased by her husband Guido, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. She was born on July 11, 1933 in the Bronx, NY. Her father, Henry, was a machinist and her mother, Frieda, was a book binder. As a child, Erna traveled to Germany several times to visit her paternal grandmother and cousin. While there, she learned to speak German fluently. In 1954, she graduated from The City College of New York, Baruch College, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After college, she worked for The New York Times as an administrative assistant to the Editor.

Erna met Guido in Darmstadt, Germany, during one of her visits with her grandmother, who was Guido’s landlady while Guido attended college. Guido immigrated to the United States in 1953 and Erna and Guido were married in August 1954. They first settled in Staten Island, NY and then Park Ridge, NJ for the last 51 years.

Erna was loving, caring and a good friend to all in her life. She enjoyed vacations, traveling with family and visiting friends, and taking retirement cruises with Guido. Erna and Guido were both only children and the friendships they made throughout their lives were as close as family. In her spare time, Erna enjoyed ice skating, bowling, solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles, traveling, stitchery, knitting and crocheting, bead crafts, making greeting cards, and listening to music.

Erna is survived by her sons Ronald and Paul and their wives Jonelle and Elizabeth respectively. She is the grandmother of five grandchildren - Bridgette, Brittina, Paul Jr., Christopher and Kurt, and one great granddaughter - Emma.

Erna will be buried at a private service at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, NJ, where her husband Guido, and her parents, are buried. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://alz.org, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 112 N. Main Street, Pearl River, NY 10965 (https://gspr.org/give/), or your favorite charity in Erna’s memory.