Irene Hessler

Our beautiful mother Irene (Gall) Hessler passed away on December 7, 2024, at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. She was lovingly surrounded by family treasuring final listens to her favorite melodies and miraculously offered one last hug and message of love to each in her sphere. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Irene was born on November 6, 1932, in Lilly, Pennsylvania to Joseph Gall and Julia (Bogoly) Gall who had emigrated to the U.S. from Hungary. She was preceded in death by her husband Alex Anthony Hessler. She was the sister of Elisabeth Williams, Ethel Gydus, Mary Nemeth, Jenny Sisko, Margaret Leja, Bertha Tomayko, and brother Joseph Gall. She was the devoted mother of Julia Hessler, Michael Hessler, his wife Debbie, Susan Hessler, her husband Douglas Burdick, Steven Hessler, his wife Lin, and James Hessler. She was the loving grandmother of Noah Hessler-Burdick, Alex Hessler and his wife Amanda, Rocky Hessler and his wife Kaylee, Sara Elkins and her partner Aaron, Coleman Hessler and his partner Sitina, Finlay Hessler and his wife Cara, Chrissy Deverter and her husband Bob, Olivia Hessler, Ethan Hessler, and Elliott Hessler. She was the great-grandmother of Riley Elkins, Jayson Elkins, and Addie Hessler. She was the loving aunt of Jadwiga Baczkowski, Deborah Ondrejko and her husband John, JoHanna Harris-May, David Hessler and his wife Debi, Rose Moore, Mike Williams, Alex Williams, Schari Gilmore and her husband Rob...and many more family and friends.

Irene would say her life was simple, but she was brave and bold. She flew to England to marry abroad, raised five children (including two set of twins) through many Air Force deployments and could uproot on a dime with a positive heart and unquestioning confidence. There was a love of singing starting early with Hungarian folk songs sung with her father, followed by her solos during high school play intermissions, graduation forecast for "most likely become a professional vocalist", active years with Vaud-Villities and most recently attending performances of Carpe Diem String Quartet and Sundays at Central. Her delight for dancing may have raised concerns when she would forgo homework assignments to jitterbug with her high school pals, later followed by Polish polka parties, Hungarian czardas, and most recently ballroom dancing lessons in her late eighties. She embodied "the love of music", always making those in her orbit stop for a moment to think about how music played a part in their own lives. She had an unwavering belief that if music filled our homes, it would bring about a more peaceful world.

Irene was kind, happily lending a hand (leaving the assistance unspoken) and there was always room at her table for an unexpected guest. She was quick to offer a hug to everyone she met. Many times, that hug brought a smile to the receiver's face. She was bright and always had a positive outlook and a youthful spirit. She was also inquisitive and loving. Anyone who had met her is richer for it, but as her family, we are richer beyond measure. We know she is dancing, singing, and continuing to light the way for us.

A service was held for Irene on December 14, 2024, at St. Joseph Cemetery in Sidman, Pennsylvania - near Beaverdale where she grew up. If you wish to honor Irene you can do so by simply offering someone a hug, listening to a song, or taking a moment to find beauty in your world.

Arrangements with GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43207. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com