Florence Mary Hessenbruch ILL

Florence Mary Hessenbruch (Polly) died peacefully on December 21, 2022, at her home in Centreville, MD. She was born February 7, 1933, to the late Florence Dreer Hessenbruch and Hermann Markle Hessenbruch of Paoli, PA. She was married for 47 years to the late Charles Ludwig Ill. Polly and Charlie lived in Arlington, VA, and later Potomac, MD, before moving to their farm in Centreville. Polly was an accomplished horsewoman and sailor, competing in both sports. She won the Adams Cup and raced and cruised around Mount Desert Island, ME, where she spent her summers with family and friends. Together, Polly and Charlie cruised with their children and friends up and down the East Coast, raced to Bermuda often, and enjoyed cruises in many special places around the world with the Cruising Club of America and Corinthian Yacht Club. Polly also loved traveling the world with her sister, Ann, and many of her long time friends. As the wife of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Polly hosted many admirals, generals, and foreign dignitaries. She was also honored to christen the USS Kalamazoo and was a lifetime member of the Society of Sponsors. Polly was active in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the garden club, and served on the board of the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County for many years. She loved animals, and in her later years, adopted senior dogs from the Humane Society to give them a “good retirement.” She raised orchids, was an avid gardener, and a master crafter of knitting and needlepoint. She is survived by her four children, Charles Ludwig, Jeannette Hessenbruch, Peter Markle (Mary Slingluff), and Anna Barkins (Philip Neal Barkins). She is also survived by five grandchildren, Kristen Seedasome (Sak), Charles Ludwig, IV (Sarah), Lauren DiBona (Tim), Emily Bealle (Griffin), Hannah Crenshaw (Gordon); and seven great-grandchildren. Polly also treasured her extended family and cherished their many trips to the farm. The family wishes to thank Polly’s caregivers, Jenny, Joan, Cheryl, and Heather for taking such good care of Polly for many years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County; Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Chestertown, MD; or Compass Regional Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, at 1 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Chestertown.

Florence Mary Hessenbruch ILL

February 7, 1933 - December 21, 2022