Jean I. Hirsch

Jean I. (Niederriter) Hirsch, 100, of Erie, died on Saturday, February 25, 2023. 

She was on born December 31, 1922 of the late Fred and Gretchen (Zimmerman) Niederriter.
Notably, Jean (“Regina Irene”) was the first baby baptized in the St George Church building. 

Jean graduated from McKean High School in 1940. Following high school, she married Leo Charles Hirsch and began working on the family farm. Over the years, she held various part-time jobs, including bookkeeping at Longo Plumbing, but wanted most to be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who valued family connections above all else. 

Jean was a talented woodworker, who, after retirement, made most of the beautifully crafted furnishings in her home.  She was ahead of her time in computer skills, an avid reader, a resourceful and creative gardener, seamstress, knitter, cook, canner, and candy maker, known for great pies and chocolates.  She also grew flowers and other fruits to sell at local stands. She loved flowers! Jean was a lifelong member of St. George Roman Catholic Church. She enjoyed square dancing at Mercy Squares and furthering her knowledge and skills via taking evening classes at the local Vo-Tech School. She was also known for her dedication to exercise, especially water aerobics, through the YMCA. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Charles Hirsch whom she married on June 3, 1944; sons, Michael and Richard Hirsch; sisters, Edith  Froehlich, Rita Swaney and Dorthy "Dot" Fischer, brothers, Joseph, Michael, Leonard and Charles Niederriter. 

She will be greatly missed by her family which includes, daughters, Kathleen Sill (Paul), Eileen Schlindwein (Craig), Jeanette "Jan" Daum and Mary Margaret Torrance (Herbert III); sons, John Hirsch (Wendy) and Robert "Bob" Hirsch (Jennifer); grandchildren, Koren (James), Deborah (Jens), John (Rosalie), Meredith, Megan, Jessica (Rami), Julie, Sarah (Harlan), Jill (Noal), Charlotte, Jennifer (Forrest), Herbert IV (Ava), Daniel, Emily, Regina; great-grandchildren, James, Charlie, Bram, Finn, Bradely, Carrie, Paige, Briea, Anabel, Nora, Liam, Ailith, Viola, Eowyn, Quinton, Elsie; great-great-grandchildren, Landon, Llyvada.

Friends may call on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Edder Funeral Home, 309 Main St. East, Girard.  A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Thursday March 2, 2023 at the St. George Roman Catholic Church, 5145 Peach St. Erie, at 12:00 pm. 

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Erie County Library, 160 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507, YMCA of Greater Erie, 31 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501 or to the charity of one’s choice.

To send condolences, visit edderfuneralhome.com.

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