Ilse G. Fuchs

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine — Ilse Gradwohl Fuchs, 96, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012.

She was born March 18, 1916, in Berlin, Germany.

She escaped to Basel, Switzerland, from Nazi Germany in 1938. In Basel, she met and married Henry Fuchs.

The family emigrated to the United States in January 1948 and settled in Rutland, Vt., later the same year. For many years she was self-employed in retail sales, presenting Stanley Parties and Home Demonstrations. She also worked in several retail stores and as a waitress at a number of restaurants in Rutland.

In 1967, she and her husband moved to Florida, where she worked as a caterer in the Pompano Beach area. She returned to Rutland in 1989, residing there until 2009, when she moved to Boothbay Harbor.

She fulfilled a lifelong dream by celebrating her Bat Mitzvah at Rutland Jewish Center on March 18, 1994, her 78th birthday. More recently, she was a member of Israel Congregation of Manchester. She was a life member of Hadassah and an active volunteer-member of the City of Hope in Florida.

Survivors include her daughter, Betty Welt of Nobleboro, Maine; two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband.

A graveside service and internment will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 10, at Highland Cemetery in Nobleboro. The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of Betty and Marty Welt.

Memorial contributions may be made to Israel Congregation of Manchester, 6025 Main St., Manchester Center, VT 05255; or Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice, 40 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta, ME 04543.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME. Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.