Virginia Beach—Elsie Hirsch, 99, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2021, just days shy of her 100th birthday.
She was born in Ulm, Germany on April 6, 1921 to Carl and Hilda Moos.
In 1939, Elsie immigrated to the United States with her parents as a Holocaust refugee. Her brother, Henry Moos, had arrived a year earlier. After a perilous transatlantic voyage, the family settled in Portsmouth, Va. to begin their new lives. Not long after, Elsie met the love of her life, Jerry Hirsch while working in a garment factory. They married in 1944 and built a life together, welcoming two children, Evelyn and Steve, along the way. Oma, as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always lived in the present, preferring not to dwell on past hardships.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerry, her brother Henry, and her granddaughter Lisa Clerici. Survivors include her children Evelyn (Jeffrey, of blessed memory) and Steve (Pamela); her grandchildren Carrie Fuchs (Dave), Jessica Fielek and Vanessa Freihofer (Jim), as well as eight great-grandchildren whom she cherished.
She was one of Temple Israel’s earliest members in the 1950’s. She enjoyed being a part of the Temple Israel Sisterhood and Jewish Lodge Brith Sholom.
Elsie was known for many things: her unending love and devotion to her family, her talent as a seamstress, her beautiful German accent, and her potato salad that none of us can seem to recreate. She always had a warm smile and a kind nature that will not be forgotten by anyone who knew her.
The family would be remiss not to mention the attentive and compassionate care that Elsie received at Beth Sholom Village in the last years of her life. Elsie was beloved by staff and residents alike and she will be lovingly remembered.
A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery by Rabbi Dr. Michael E. Panitz and Cantor Elihu Flax. The service was live-streamed on the Facebook page of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Inc. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
Donations to the Beth Sholom Village.