Elsa Wolschina of Ellicott City, Md., former resident of Van Syckel’s Corner, Union Township, Hampton, N.J., passed away on Sept. 15 at the age of 97.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Gunther Wolschina. Elsa was the devoted mother of Dr. Susan Metcalf of Fort Collins, Colo., and Steven (Deborah) Wolschina of Haddonfield, loving grandmother of Christopher (Lisa) Wolschina, Beth (Greg) Gallo, Kate (Robert) Bruce, Andrew (Leigh) Metcalf, Dr. Jessica (Michael) Metcalf and Christopher (Abbey) Metcalf, treasured great- grandmother of Christina, Justin, Michael, Samantha and Ryan Gallo, Dane and Blair Samartino, Ethan Bruce, Cameron, Mack and Logan Wolschina, Eleanor and Lois Metcalf, Susan, Mary and Vivian Metcalf, Elsa Liquori, and dear Aunt of Ronald (Toni) Birkenmaier.
Elsa was born in Munich, Germany and immigrated to this country with her family when she was 5 years old. She and Gunther, who also immigrated from Germany, married in 1941 and were married for 55 years.
Elsa was a graduate of Hunter College, City University of New York, and was a dedicated first grade teacher for over 35 years in New York City, Scotch Plains, N.J. and Jersey and Union Township, N.J. She was a member of the Spruce Run Lutheran Church in Glen Gardner, N.J., and a longtime member of The Women’s Club of Clinton, N.J.
In addition to her deep love for her family, she loved gardening, art, painting, and her pets which included numerous dogs, cats and several horses. She especially enjoyed taking her young grandchildren on walks through the fields of her home to view the streams and wildlife on the property.
Services for Elsa will be held at Spruce Run Lutheran Church and Cemetery in Glen Gardner, N.J. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 12 p.m. Memorial donations in support of those who sacrifice to defend our country, and their loved ones, may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91365 www.garysinisefoundation.org.Â