Hedwig Magnavita

Hedwig J. L. Magnavita Loving Mother and Grandmother

Hedwig J. L. Heidi Magnavita, 79, of Oswayo, PA, formerly of Schney-Lichtenfels, Germany, and Chalfont, PA passed away Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Bradford Manor in Bradford, PA of natural causes.

Born on July 4, 1932 in Schney-Lichtenfels, Germany, she was the daughter of Ernst and Erna Erhard Gutgesell. She was married to Thomas F. Magnavita, who survives.

For many years, Mrs. Magnavita was employed as a nanny in Bucks County. She was a member of the Ellisburg Union Church and a member of the Andrews Settlement/Ellisburg Community Club. She always had fond memories of growing up in Germany with her family. She enjoyed reading, solving word search puzzles, and knitting. She loved gardening, cooking, decorating her home, her dog, Max, and her family, especially her grandchildren. She always had a kind heart for those in need. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving besides her husband are a son, Joseph Mike Doherty of San Dimas, California; two daughters, Teresa F. Magnavita of Emmaus, PA and Kathy J. (Butch) Diehl of Springtown, PA; two grandchildren, Hailey B. Diehl and Taylor S. Diehl; a sister, Ilse of Germany; two brothers, Hans and Guenther, both of Germany; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Magnavita was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends are invited to attend funeral services at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 2, 2012 at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA. The Rev. Paul M. Karges, pastor of the Ellisburg Union Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Fishing Creek Cemetery, Roulette, PA.