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Lotte Hirsch Obituary
Lotte E. Hirsch was born on January 26th, 1923 to Paul and Martha Landmann in Mannheim, Germany. She passed away peacefully at Westminster Village in West Lafayette, IN on February 4th, 2016. Her early years were spent in comfortable surroundings, but the rise of the Nazi regime brought drastic changes. Lotte and her family escaped Germany in 1938, first to Switzerland and then England, where Lotte studied and learned both French and English.
In 1940 the family immigrated to New York City. Lotte studied at Queens College where she met the love of her life, Walter Hirsch. Married in 1947, the newlyweds arrived at Purdue University where Walter became a professor of Sociology. Lotte was the proud mother of four children. Martin, Judy, Janet and Dan.
While living in West Lafayette, Lotte earned a Master's in Education and enjoyed a long career teaching 4th grade at Klondike Elementary. Lotte was a voracious reader and a lifelong learner.
Lotte was passionate about the natural world and the great outdoors. She could be found skiing in arctic temperatures on vintage 1930's era skis, trekking in Nepal, camping in the Rockies or riding her bike to the pool for a quick swim. Lotte and Walter enjoyed many trips both domestically and abroad including sabbatical years in Israel and Switzerland. An eight-month around the world trip in 1979-80 took them to a variety of exotic locales, with just a small carry-on bag for each traveler.
Lotte was active in the community including: The ACLU, the League of Women Voters, Hadassah, and Temple Israel. She had a strong sense of social justice and was not shy with her opinions. She gave generously to many causes, but was frugal when it involved her own needs.
Lotte's home was the site of many social gatherings where she and Walter cultivated a loyal circle of friends. Lotte and Walter frequently enjoyed theater, film and musical events at the university.
Lotte is survived by her children, Dr. Martin Hirsch of Glendale, CA. Dan Hirsch of Oakland, CA, and Janet Wittenberg of Bethesda, MD and is predeceased by Dr. Walter Hirsch, and Dr. Judith Hirsch of San Francisco, CA. Lotte is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jenna and Amy Hirsch, Andy, Jamie and Alex Wittenberg, Leo, Julia and Sophia Hirsch.
Interment will be at the Jewish Cemetery in Lafayette and a memorial service is planned for later in the year.
Donations in Lotte's name can be made to: The Jewish Federation of Lafayette or The Natural Resources Defense Council. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lotte Hirsch
Greg Swaim
March 27, 2022
Mrs. Hirsch was such a great teacher when I was 9 at Klondike, and when I was in grad school at Oklahoma State went to visit Klondike again.
When the principal took me to the various rooms that I was in back then most of the teachers I had to introduce myself, but Mrs. Hirsch in her accent said "Greg" and hugged me.
What made that even more impressive was that I told her my sister was in her class two years after me, but she wasn't sure she remembered her.
A wonderful woman, who I hope to see and talk to in Heaven.
JEANENNE ROTHENBERGER
January 31, 2022
Met Lottie when teaching at WL Jr High School. Her son was in my mathematics class. Got to know her better when we were teaching in the same building. A truly loving and caring lady who always tried to be fair and honest with everyone, including the children. Earlier had met Walter when enrolled at Purdue. A great and honorable familyl
Alice Anderson
February 9, 2016
My condolences to the family members of Lotte Hirsch...I met Lotte at Jewish Studies events, and also local arts events...she was a very nice person and I enjoyed hearing her stores of her life...my thoughts and prayers are with you...
Judith Light
February 9, 2016
Speaking for my entire family, we remember Lotte with such fondness. Thanks to her and Walter for many sleepovers, lunches and dinners that I enjoyed with Janet when we were kids (sometimes joined by my sister). And of course my parents were so pleased to have known them--as educators, fellow participants in cultural activities, and members of a cross-section of university and spiritual communities. Love and light to Janet and the extended Hirsch (etc.) family.
Neda Cochran (Inman)
February 8, 2016
Lotte, "Mrs. Hirsch" was my 4th grade teacher, at Klondike Elm, many years ago...I remember her so well! I remember days that she would get frustrated, just a bit, with us...and she would "yell at us" in Greman (I can only imagine what she may have been saying...LOL). I also remember organizing a party for her, she was so happy, and completely surprised! As a class, we purchased a glass desk top for her, and the look on her face was so joyful, you would have thought we gave her $1,000,000. She was a wonderful teacher, and meant a lot to me, during a very difficult time in my childhood, when I struggled to "fit in." She helped me to realize, it was/is much better to just be me, and not worry about "fitting in." Rest in peace, Mrs. Hirsch! Love and Peace to your family!
Betsy (Morris) Applebaum
February 8, 2016
May Lotte's memory be a blessing to her children and grandchildren.
Cathy Potter
February 8, 2016
Lotte and Walter were the first to invite us into their home when we arrived on campus in the early sixties. Her kindness and generosity were so appreciated then, and those qualities remained with her over the years. A memory that has stayed with me is her telling me about the honeymoon she took with Walter...hitch hiking to the West Coast, without telling their parents that this was their plan. What a great story!
My sympathy and caring thoughts are with her family
Joe Ismail
February 8, 2016
I have only fond memories of Lotte, as well as Walter. From childhood through adulthood her greeting was always sincere and the same, "How are you Joe".
Marsha Kuebler
February 8, 2016
A real treasure has passed from this life...Lotte was my mentor when I started teaching 4th grade at Klondike. What a wonderful example she has been in my life! There will never be another. Prayers are with you.
Jeanenne Rothenberger
February 8, 2016
A wonderful family:
Eons ago Walter taught me sociology when I was a Purdue student. I taught with Lotte, briefly, at WLJrHi. And I taught their son math. A great loss.
Ken Ferraro
February 8, 2016
To the Hirsch family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Lotte and Walter blessed many of us in the Department of Sociology. Their legacy remains, and we know you have precious memories to cherish.
Shalom.
February 7, 2016
Our loved ones are not suffering John 11:13.
Joan Messing
February 7, 2016
I remember seeing her at the Jewish studies programs at P.U. A wonderful lady with a lot of spirit. God bless her and her family.
Richard Ismail
February 7, 2016
So sorry to learn of Lotte's passing. Our Mother's were long time friends and enjoyed each other's company and friendship. Our thoughts are with Dan and the Hirsch family.
Frances Rosen
February 7, 2016
love & sympathy to Janet & her families.
Priscilla Bain
February 5, 2016
Lotte was an amazing woman. Her home gatherings of who came, were thought out very carefully. After both our husbands retired the 4 of us would walk thru' Clegg Gardens in the spring and fall, Lotte always leading us on. We also attended a few Elder Hostels together. My favorite memory of those are the mornings Lotte and I would get up early and go hunting for the Winnie the Pooh character who was quite elusive. I am sorry she is gone from our lives, but my memories of Lotte are so full.
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