Elisabeth A. (Rudolf) Hart

February 12, 2019

Elisabeth A. Hart

ORANGE- Elisabeth Anna (Rudolf) Hart-Liesel of Holtshire Road, Orange, was called home on Sunday, February 10, 2019.

Liesel was born in Tepliz-Schonau, Czechoslovakia on May 24, 1945, a daughter of Giesela (Perner) and Anton Rudolf.

Lisel was married to the love of her life, Leo T. Hart and enjoyed many wonderful years of love and laughter with her beloved Leo until he passed February 12, 1993. Liesel was also predeceased by her son Joseph “Joey” Esselman, her parents and sister Linda Englehardt.

She leaves behind her daughter, Chante, son in law Doug Jillson, her 5 grandchildren; Leo Richard and Carly Ann Jillson, Danielle Edwards, Victoria Elisabeth Esselman and Chantelle Coones; and 2 great grandchildren, Ivan and Nathaniel Edwards.

Liesel immigrated to the United States from Frankfurt, Germany in 1963. Then, in 1972, a 26 year old non-English speaking, young German woman became one of the proudest American citizens with help of herloyal customers and incredible friends.

Liesel was the proprietor of Liesel’s Bridge to Beauty for almost 50 years. Her American dream began when she perfected her craft at a German “Berufsschule” (trade school) in the late 50’s. Her career as a hairdresser started in Frankfurt, Germany, continued in Ohio, and thrived when she settled on Main Street in Athol. She initially worked for Henry Woods at Wood’s Bridge to Beauty before venturing out on her own. As a single mother with 2 small children in 1969 she purchased her first beauty salon on Exchange Street. Within a year, she purchased her first home and established her in-house salon on School Street in Athol. When Henry Woods retired in 1974, she purchased the business which became Liesel’s Bridge to Beauty. She was an extraordinary hairdresser and worked her magic while simultaneously teaching this craft to so many.

Liesel was fiercely independent, passionate and driven. Her love of family and friends was endless. She gave generously and always helped to provide for anyone in need. She was hard working and determined. She loved her family and the USA more than anyone. She will always be remembered as an amazing, incredibly talented and feisty lady, who wasn’t afraid to let you know what she thought!

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 15th from 6-8 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 16th at St. Mary’s Church, 19 Congress St., Orange.

Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Athol Area YMCA, Camp Wiyka 100th Anniversary Celebration, 545 Main St., Athol, MA 01331 or donation of your choosing.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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