Irma A. Tesche

Irma Klawunn Tesche passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at her home in the Lexington Place Assisted Living facility, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, six weeks shy of her 104th birthday. 
She was born and raised in Elizabeth, N.J., where she graduated from Battin High School for Girls. 

She is survived by her son, Allen L. Tesche, and his wife, Francine; grandchildren, Allen Thomas and his wife, Carol, Lee Tesche and his fiancée, Staci Janik, Leighton Tesche Branton and her husband, Matthew, and William Tesche and his wife, Shannon; four great-grandchildren, Tallulah, Lockie, Ben, and Callie; and a brother, Fred (Bud) Klawunn, 99 years old. She is predeceased by her daughter, Janet Tesche Menendez, and her devoted husband of 76 years, Alfred Christian Tesche. She was also predeceased by three sisters and a brother, Evelyn, Ann, Betty, and George. 
She was well-loved by many friends and extended family who were deeply impacted by her long and eventful life.

Irma had a long and remarkable life. In 1940, she and her husband, Alfred, married and established their long residence in Linden, N.J. When WWII commenced, she became a nurse's aide, which opened up a new career path for her. After the war, she continued her nursing education and ultimately became the assistant to a physician in a family practice in Linden, where she worked for 37 years until her retirement in 1987. During that time, she was a dedicated mother, a Sunday school and Bible study teacher at Linden Presbyterian Church, an avid bowler, and an active member of the local ladies' club.

In retirement, Irma and her husband, Alfred, moved to New Smyrna Beach, where they took up an active beach life at the Chateau by the Sea. She produced beautiful china paintings and was president of the local china painting club. She was also an active member of the Chateau by the Sea Homeowners Association Board. 
Irma will be most remembered for being everyone’s mom and the Grammy to all people younger than her. She was a God-fearing person who was loving, caring, and empathetic, who never had a cross or sharp word to say, always had a smile on her face and a pleasant disposition, and lived her life accordingly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to a charity of one's choice.

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