Hedwig “Hedy” Steinbart
Hedy “Oma” Steinbart, passed into God’s loving arms on December 6, 2021. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Hedy immigrated to America on her own in 1952 seeking a better life than post WWII Germany could offer. She arrived without money or an understanding of the English language and American culture. She brought her resilient spirit and her no excuses attitude. She married Walter in 1954 and through hard work and determination they achieved the American dream. Their success was generously shared through helping their grandchildren finance their college educations and treating the entire extended family to vacations, leaving them with fond memories of time spent together.
A woman of faith, Hedy was a member of Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church attending German services, serving in the Missionary Society, and the Crafters Group. Characterized by gratitude and an appreciation of the little things, Hedy lived a meaningful and productive life caring for her family and others in the community. In addition, she cared for the earth and recycled, reused, and gardened organically long before those terms were coined. Her adventurous and curious spirit lead her to continually try something new; an example being cave kayaking in Belize when she was 86 years old.
The tradition of kicking off family gatherings with a sip of Hedy and Walter’s recipe of handpicked cherries and vodka became the legacy of “Oma’s Cherry Infused Vodka” made commercially available by her grandson.
Hedy modeled selflessness, trusting God, serving others, honesty, and the importance of family. Hedy leaves behind her children, Dory and Willie (Cindy); grandchildren, Trevor (Megan), Kyle (Amber), Austin, and Trent (Samantha); and great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Shea, Bennett, Milo, and Edie Jo. Hedy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Walter.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021, at Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lansing. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, December 9th from 4-7 p.m. at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel and from 10-11 a.m. on Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
6 Messages to “Hedwig “Hedy” Steinbart”
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Vivien Jacobs-Quam
December 8, 2021 at 10:48 amAfter reading the more than complimentary obituary provided here the phrase “you are known by the company you keep”, takes on a good deal of relevance. I am not a friend of the deceased. I am a friend of her daughter in law, Cindy. The attributes accorded Hedy can be easily seen in her family as I have been given opportunity to know them. My wish for Hedy and those who now share their grief in her passing, is the grace of our Lord and His all- encompassing love.
Judith und Marcus Hintz
December 8, 2021 at 12:44 pmEven if we are far away, we are deeply struck by the news of Hedi‘s death.
Still we love to remember her, on a family meeting in Germany a few years ago, as a friendly, happy, open minded and faithfully person.
Very often Marcus talks about his visiting in Michigan in the beginning of the 90‘s.
To the family of Dory and Will and their relatives- we wish all the best.
Judith and Marcus Hintz
From Neheim, Germany.
Merrie Mulka
December 8, 2021 at 8:52 pmDory and Willy, your mom was such a sweet woman! Of course, we only had the pleasure of her company a handful of times, but every time she welcomed us with such open arms and that beautiful smile. We feel so fortunate to have seen her one last time this summer. It sounds as though she had a wonderful life. Oma’s Vodka holds a special place in our cubard too.
Merrie and Cas
Julie Upp
December 10, 2021 at 9:11 amHedy was a remarkable woman. I loved how she was always so interested in life and wanted to be present in the loop. Obviously her family was her utmost priority and she showed her love in so many ways. She was resilient, a pillar of strength and fantastic role model. She was a beautiful spirit that somehow exuded both strength and tenderness. She has left anyone who knew her with many valuable lessons.
Marilyn J Johnson
December 10, 2021 at 9:34 amDory & Willie and your Families,
We were so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing,We were so fortunate to have known both of them. We went together picking cherries for their most famous drink. Every few years we still make it and the recipe is safe with us. When we stopped to visit out came the cherry vodka.
She showed me how to make kraut & pork. The list can go on. You and Willie had such wonderful parents. Your mother will be sadly missed but Hedy & Walter are together again.
Love from us Marilyn,Allan & Robert Johnson (Florida)
Najeeb Al Alawi
December 17, 2021 at 5:56 amI am from Kuwait ?????? , a country that is very far from Michigan( ~16 hours by plane ) and known for its oil wealth, modern infrastructure,,friendly people , beautiful shores, nice deserts and needless to say its very hot weather in the summer .We never had snow Whatsoever .
I am a friend of Hedy’s( Hedwig Steinbart ) daughter Dory ,whom I met long ago when we were students at Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo, Michigan.
At the time ,Dory was studying Speech pathology and I was studying Engineering on a scholarship from my country’s government Kuwait.
I met Hedy only once and that was few days after graduation.
Right from the start I knew I was meeting an inteligent , sweet , and very honest lady .
We had a nice conversation and as she was talking to me I felt every word she uttered bypassed my mind and went right through to my heart.
She was talking to me , heart to heart and I knew for this to happen she ought to be very honest and sincere in what she was telling.
When Dory informed me that she was struggling with Covid ,I was worried and I kept her always in my prayers.
It is very unfortunate to know that she had passed away,
I am indeed saddened . I know that words are never enough to express my deep condolences , however, I had to say that I really wish I were nearby to attend the funeral and help provide the moral support that Dory and her family deserve.
Dory , I wish you and all your loved ones the very best and all the courage , strength and resilience to cope with this sad incident . I know losing a mother is never and never was easy .It surely requires strength and resilience .
It is God’s will that your mom left this world and nobody is going to live forever.
May her soul rest in peace and her memory be always a blessing.
Najeeb Al Alawi
Kuwait,GCC countries.