Cornelia Reichardt Herr

Cornelia Reichardt Herr passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, in her home. Her loving and devoted husband, Ben, and family members and friends were by her side. Cornelia was born Oct. 17, 1936, in Stuttgart, Germany, to Walter Reichardt and Brigette Turoff Reichardt. Her family was comprised of classical musicians and painters. She was the oldest of four children and was raised near Munich with her sisters Sylvia and Barbara and her brother Claus. In 1954, Cornelia moved to Herbrechting, Germany, where she trained to be a kindergarten teacher. She sang in the Bach Choir in Stuttgart as the leading soprano. She had a clear, lyrical voice and found great joy in singing and performing. From 1956 to 1959, Cornelia was a kindergarten teacher in Kornwestheim, Germany. She expertly lead a class of 70 children. Using her creative talents, Cornelia wrote plays and created elaborate costumes for the children. She enjoyed storytelling and taught the children German folk songs. In January 1958, Cornelia met Ben Herr while he was stationed in the U.S. Army in Kornwestheim. Cornelia and Ben shared a great love of the arts and nature, and within a short time they were devoted to each other. They were married on Nov. 9, 1958. In 1959, Ben was released from the U.S. Army and returned to Philadelphia. On Sept. 24, 1959, Cornelia arrived in the United States to join Ben. They lived in Philadelphia before moving to Lancaster to start a family. Cornelia and Ben raised two sons, Benjamin Christoph and Eric Benjamin, and a daughter, Andrea. Cornelia adopted the United States as her new home and was naturalized as a citizen in 1965. Cornelia was a stay-at-home mother and an incredible homemaker. At that time she was an active member of the YWCA and Universal Friends, and put on puppet shows at Christmas for young children. With her superb craftsmanship, Cornelia created beautiful handmade sweaters and clothes and intricate decorations for her home. She was an avid gardener and designed and cultivated elaborate gardens. Cornelia had a great passion for animals and throughout her life she adopted many dogs and cats and nursed injured wild animals back to health. Cornelia was the model of strength and indelible spirit. She survived war-time Germany and witnessed prisoners being shipped to Dachau. Her family persevered despite being trapped in the basement when their house was bombed, and losing a beloved aunt who died after imprisonment in a concentration camp. Cornelia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1972, and she endured the wrongful premature deaths of her sons – Eric in 1984 and Ben in 2002. Despite her illness and tragic losses, Cornelia was determined to live her life to the fullest. She was active in her church choir and in the Lancaster Liederkranz, performing in concerts and singing solos and duets. She took voice lessons and learned to play the piano. She shared all her amazing talents with her granddaughters, Erin and Gizelle. Cornelia and Ben generously donated to World Vision to support two African girls – Aneth from Tanzania and Esther from Uganda. In January 2010, Cornelia was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her bravery and determination are an inspiration to those who knew her. Cornelia exemplified the human spirit and was greatly loved and cherished by her family and friends. Cornelia is survived by her husband, Ben; her daughter and granddaughters, Andrea Herr- Turoff and Erin and Gizelle Edinger-Turoff; her sister, Barbara Reichardt; her brother and his wife, Claus and Angela Reichardt; and extended family Benita and R. David Seip and family, and Mary and Andrew Tranovich and family. Family and friends are invited to attend Cornelia’s Celebration of Life memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 500 Pearl St., (corner of Pearl and Fifth streets) Lancaster, with the Rev. David D. Kreider officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Cornelia’s name may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Central Pennsylvania Chapter, 2040 Linglestown Road, Suite 104, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Cornelia Reichardt Herr

January 25, 2011