Irmgard H. Edelmann

IRMGARD EDELMANN Of Stoney Brook Road Elmira, NYAge 78, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 27, 2009. Irmgard was born in Rinteln, Germany on October 21, 1930, the daughter of the late Josef and Helene Klenke. Irmgard is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ernst; her son, Karl-Ernst, (who donated a kidney to her in 1998) with his wife Nancy, and her son, Peter with his wife Jessica. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Paula and Kay; grandchildren, Erni and his wife Joy; Paul, Alex, Gabi, Katarina and Janosch, as well as one great-grandson, Joseph. She will be sadly missed by her brothers-in-law, Heinz and Werner and their families from Germany; and her good friend, Ursula Klemme. Irmgard and her husband Ernst immigrated to the United States in October of 1955 based on her desire. For the first 14 days, Irmgard and Ernst stayed with her Aunt Kaethe Mumme and family at their farm in Lockwood, NY, where they were given help to start their new life in America. Her surviving cousins are Carol, Gerry, Girlie and Helen with their families. In November 1956, Karl-Ernst and Peter came from Germany with Irmgard's parents to join them. The family settled in Sayre, PA where both Irmgard and Ernst worked for Sayre Lingerie from late October 1955 until February 1962. In February 1962, Irmgard and her family became citizens of the United States. She then moved to Elmira with her husband and children. In Elmira she worked in accounting with the Chemung Canal Trust Co., then as manager of the Elmira College Bookstore, and finally as the private secretary to Dr. Ralph Murray, President of Elmira College. From 1962 until 1994, Irmgard also supported, encouraged and counseled her husband's work at the Arnot Realty Corporation. Irmgard had a deep love of books, animals, nature and history.Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Friday, March 6, 2009 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Funeral Services, conducted by the Dr. Reverend Betsy Crimmins will be held in the First Presbyterian Church 1054 West Clinton Street Elmira, NY 14905 at 6:30 PM. Music will be provided by Susan Amisano and Charlotte Cook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irmgard's memory to the First Presbyterian Church, the Chemung County SPCA Route # 352 Elmira, NY 14903 or a local charity of your choice. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for her family in obituaries atwww.olthof.comLeave a Loving Legacy, Olthof Funeral Home, Inc.