Irma Ursula Schmuck, nee Dreger, passed away on Monday, August 19th, after a lengthy illness, at age 96.
Beloved wife, mother of two, friend of many, Irma’s life spanned continents, and nearly a century. Born on June 22, 1928, in the free state of Danzig, now Gdansk, Poland, Irma lived a happy life with her family. Under the threats of war they fled their home to relative safety in western Germany and then, resolved to seek a new life in New York following the end of the war.
She met her husband Edward Schmuck at work on Wall Street. They married in 1954 and moved to Northvale, New Jersey in 1957.
Irma, a homemaker, with her beautiful bright blue eyes, created a warm, loving and supportive environment for her family, extended family, neighbors and friends. She maintained a beautiful home and filled it with love. One of her biggest joys was having the whole extended family for meals, especially for holidays. She found happiness in making others happy and no place did that show more than around her table. No one walked away hungry; rather, after having seconds, thirds plus her homemade desserts, they walked away too full! The family holiday photos show Irma with a big smile, reflecting the joy she received from serving her family.
Perhaps her biggest joy came when she became an Omi. She considered it a blessing to be able to help care for her grandchildren whenever she could.
After the busy years of raising her family, her service extended to her friends and community. She was an active member of the women’s group, the quilting group and the soup kitchen staff of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she was appreciated in fellowship for her good cheer, kindness, and, of course, her delicious baking. She also became the friend who “could still drive”, helping many to run errands, get to church and various appointments.
She is survived by her sons, Ed (Alexandra) Curtis of Harrington Park, NJ, and Ron (Lisa) Curtis of Dunwoody, Georgia; her five grandchildren, Peter (Catherine), Jessica, Misty, Emma, and Max; and one greatgrandchild, Cora. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ed, her parents, Emma and Reinhold Dreger, and treasured siblings Kurt, Christel and Ida.
Funeral arrangements are through the Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Closter, NJ on Thursday, August 29th at 11 am with a graveside service immediately following at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkhill, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the American Red Cross or Emory Integrated Memory Care in Atlanta, GA.
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