Obituary of Anna Hessler

Anna Hessler (nee Dickmann), born in Filipowa, Yugoslavia, died on April 11, 2021 in Warminster, Pennsylvania, 2 days before her 94th birthday. Her dear husband, Karl, predeceased her in 1985. Anna is survived by son Karl Hessler of Harrisonburg VA, daughter Siglinde Witt (Steve) of Christiansburg VA, son Robert Hessler (Patricia) of Warrington PA, 5 grandchildren: Christine Gibson (Daniel), Karl Witt, Joseph, Anthony, and Roseanna Hessler, and 4 great-grandchildren: Nathaniel, Caleb, Ruth, and Micah Gibson. She is also survived by 8 of her 10 siblings and half-siblings. Having survived post-WW II ethnic cleansing and escaped a concentration camp, Anna fled Yugoslavia, met and married Karl in Germany, and they soon immigrated to Philadelphia where they made their new life among family and friends in similar circumstances. They kept close to their German roots and taught their children their customs by participating as members of the Danube Swabian (Donauschwaben) Association of Philadelphia. Anna was a devout Catholic who stayed very active in her parish of St. John Bosco, and could be seen walking to and from daily Mass well into her 80s. She could sew just about anything, her cooking and baking were renowned (ownership of her handwritten recipes will be hotly contested), and she tended her flowerbeds with skill. Her endurance and drive were legendary...even at 93 she worked in the yard for hours in the hot sun and scoffed at suggestions that maybe a break would be a good idea. Relatives and friends may greet the family Friday April 16th at 9:30 A.M. at St. John Bosco Church 235 E. Countyline Rd. Hatboro Pa. 19040. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. followed by Interment in St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont. The family would like to thank Anna’s neighbors and the wonderful caregivers of Daughterly Companions for their loving work and help which made it possible for Anna to stay in her home as long as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. John Bosco Church at the above address or the Danube Swabian Association of Philadelphia 1277 Southampton Rd. Philadelphia PA. 19116 are suggested.