Hilda (Lifschitz) Kassel
Born 3/7/1919 in New Brunswick, NJ
Died 9/28/2012
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Hilda Kassel September 28, 2012
A true heroine left us last Friday, and is, I am very sure, basking in the warmth and love of finally being able to join those who have left us previously; those whom she felt such love and fondness for. Hilda Kassel (Lifschitz) was born on March 7, 1919 in New Brunswick, NJ. Prior to any efforts to describe the person, it is important to identify her role models. Her father, Jacob, was her idol. She often described him as the smartest person that she ever met; a true survivor. Her mother, Anna, as the fire that ever burned in the belly of the family. She was the source of warmth and constancy to our heroine\\'s youthful family.

Hilda did not attend college, but chose, instead, to assist all of us in the effort to defeat the perils of World War II. She worked in a munitions plant in southern New Jersey during the war years. Often, we heard her characterize those efforts as some of the most rewarding of her life. It was apparent to her that life\\'s education could come in many forms and flavors.

She married Edward "Eddie" Kassel on Aug. 17, 1948, and got it right the first time. Unfortunately, Eddie passed in 1964, suddenly, and certainly, too early. It was at this time that she willed herself to overcome the tragedy and persevere. She served as both mother and father to her two sons, Steven and Richard of Lawrenceville, GA. Hilda served as mentor, protector, provider, and most certainly "balabusta". She served as social director for Temple Beth El in Syracuse, New York for several years, only to move back to New Jersey to assist her mother in her last days. It was there that she began a second career with A.T. n T Long Lines in Bedminster, New Jersey. She remained there until retirement in 1984, very content with her work in the engineering department; and well-appreciated for it.

Hilda moved to the Atlanta, GA area in 1987 upon the birth of her grandson, Gabriel, feeling that it was time to be near and experience the growth and maturation of her family\\'s next generation. She was able to participate in all of the grandchildren\\'s activities, participate in a 3rd career at Perimeter College\\'s entrance requirement and placement programs. As all of her children and grandchildren have been fortunate to have graduated college with four year degrees, and almost without exception, have been able to go on to graduate studies programs, it must be noted that the multi-generational intellect and drive have most assuredly been passed along to the next crop of Kassels.

Our mother and grandmother was passionate about family, politics, Mah Jong, and opinions. Never a fence sitter, you had but to proffer a mild comment, only to receive a most informative perspective on the topic (and perhaps others). We had but to watch her as an example, in order to gain insight as to how to live life to its fullest, with integrity, drive, and passion. She was especially appreciative to the Dorothy Benson Senior Center, along with all of her friends that were frequented there. The center served as the last, great social center for her life.

Hilda is survived by her two sons, Dr. Steven, and Richard Kassel of Lawrenceville, GA; daughter-in-law, Susan Kassel of Lawrenceville, GA; five grandchildren, Dr. Rachel Kassel of St. Louis, MO, Jennifer Kassel of Syracuse, NY, Jacob Kassel of Miami, FL, Joseph Kassel of Buffalo, NY, and Gabriel Kassel of Boca Raton, FL, as well as two great-grandchildren.

Graveside service and burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at Beth El Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Donations may be made to the Dorothy Benson Senior Center at 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Published Syracuse Post Standard from Oct. 1 to Oct. 2, 2012
 
Burial Location
A88
 
Spouse
Edward "Eddie" Kassel
Born 5/26/1916
Died 10/16/1964 in Syracuse, NY