Louise Lisa Heucke

Louise (Lisa) Heucke

Louise Heucke of Clark, NJ (formerly of Cranford) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at St. Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Her two sons were by her side at her passing.

Louise was born in Haeslach, Germany in 1927. She was the eldest of 7 children. After surviving her native country's depression and World War II, she immigrated at the age of 25 to America in 1952 to Union, NJ. She was joined a year later by her fiancé, Hank. They married in 1954, and had two sons - Ronald (1958) and Dennis (1962).

She worked various jobs after coming to New Jersey, notably as bakery attendant at Cafe Mozart in Union, NJ. During the 70s and 80s, she owned the Maplewood Taproom, where she hosted many unforgettable Christmas parties for her family, friends and customers. She continued cooking for family holidays and for weekly Tuesday night dinners for her 2 sons and grandchildren.

Louise prided herself for her German culinary skills, lush gardens scattered with friendly gnomes, and immaculately clean home. Some of her and Hank's happiest moments were with their family at their second home "Island in the Sun" in Clearwater, FL. She loved the beach and her year-round suntan (but not the water, which messed up her hair).

She was an active member of the Deutsche Club of Clark, NJ where she was recently honored for her 50 year membership. She was a woman of great faith, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, where she treasured her fellow congregates as her close friends. She was blessed with many true friends throughout her lifetime, who celebrated good times with her and supported her through her illness. Her family is eternally grateful for their prayers, friendship, love and support.

Louise is predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years - Hank, her parents Gottlieb and Louise Haefner, and her brother Heinz. She is survived by her sons, Ronald (Monica) and Dennis (Lorraine), grandchildren Becky (Juan), Stephanie, Alex, Phillip, and Richie, her siblings Mia, Erich, Emil, Adolf, Dieter, numerous nieces and nephews, and her grand-dogs Riley and Ellie.

Louise was an exceptional mother, wife, sister, friend, and Oma, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Life Celebration will be on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at Gray Memorial Funeral Home in Cranford. Funeral services will be 11 am Monday December 17, 2018 at The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford with entombment in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, NJ.