Herta Hildegard Hess

We celebrate the life of Herta Hildegard Hess (Reinhardt), who passed away peacefully at the age of 94. She joins her husband of over 70 years in heaven, Heinrich “Harry” Hess, who passed away last year at the age of 93. Herta was born in Pirmasens, Germany on October 27th, 1929. She is preceded in death by her younger sister, Irene, as well as her parents, Paulina “Paula” Martin and Eugen Reinhardt. In school, Herta was a social student who enjoyed playing handball. However, her life was changed forever when war broke out. She risked her life to obtain food for her family as she gathered potatoes from a field that was actively patrolled by gunmen. Ultimately, her home was bombed and her town was destroyed near the end of the war. Surviving war undoubtedly contributed to her strong-willed personality and tenacious spirit. After the war, she worked for the International Refugee Organization in the Displaced Persons Commission. After multiple promotions, she transferred to Munich where she was an interpreter and translator. It was there that she met Harry, who worked as a transport officer. Between Herta’s English skills and Harry’s motorcycle, the duo started a side business romping around the city selling black market cigarettes to American soldiers. It was during this time they dreamed of coming to the US, which became a reality when Harry obtained a sponsor and immigrated in 1952. Herta joined him soon after, arriving in Ellis Island on June 25th, 1952. They were married on August 8th, 1952. As newlyweds, they moved to Georgia where Harry was stationed with the US Air Force, but settled back in Rochester, New York, where they had two children, Michele and Ron. Per her mother-in-law’s dying wish, Herta was baptized in the Catholic Church on November 16th, 1956. Always the social butterfly, Herta found her calling as the star of Rochester’s German radio show, “Musik mit Monica,” a fitting position for her magnetic and radiant personality. This cemented her as a fixture in the German community, often hosting large parties in her backyard pool. Their house was constantly filled with friends and overflowing with German beer. Once their children were grown, they relocated to Canandaigua Lake, where Herta designed a house overlooking the lake. While there, she enjoyed close companionship with her Akita, Bear. They later bought a small cottage on the waterfront, and Herta designed a full-time home on the property. They spent many winters in Florida, first in Port Charlotte and later in The Villages, where they greatly enjoyed spending time with their neighbors and where Herta was an active member in neighborhood associations. They finally moved to Baywoods of Annapolis in 2016 to be closer to family. Herta often commented that Annapolis reminded her of her hometown, Pirmasens, with its cobblestoned streets and historic buildings. Herta and Harry (or “Omi” and “Opa” as they are known to their family) are very proud parents to Michele (Gary) Matthews and Ron (Patty) Hess, grandparents to three grandchildren (Nicole, Kyle, and Lindsay [Tom]), and three great-grandchildren (Miara, Nasib, and Luke). They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2022. The family would like to thank everyone at Gilchrist Hospice, and especially the staff on the 3rd floor of Baywoods of Annapolis, for their loving care for our dear Omi and Opa over the past 4 years.

Herta Hildegard Hess

October 27, 1929 - July 31, 2024