Breaking News: Irmgard E. (Stremmer) Dunn, 87, of Hudson, formerly of Ashland, Framingham and Natick, died peacefully December 25, 2025, with her family by her side.
Born in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of Friedrich W. and Else (Engwer) Stremmer. She trained as a seamstress and tailor and later built a life in the United states after immigrating in 1959, raising her family in Ashland.
Irmgard embraced life in a new country, learning English fluently and taking pride in her ability to read, write, and speak the language she once began learning as a newcomer.
Her professional journey spanned hospitality, home-based tailoring, and retail. She spent years at Marconi’s Restaurant, operated a tailoring and alterations business from home, and later worked at Lord & Taylor, where she valued the connections she made with customers and coworkers.
Her passions reflected a love for craft and exploration.She enjoyed sewing, adult coloring, traveling, yard sales, thrifting, and crafting for loved ones. Deeply proud of her German heritage, she often participated in events hosted by the German Club.
Irmgard is survived by her children, Ronald Dunn and his wife Lori of Attleboro, Debra Dietz and her husband Ed of Hudson, and Maureen Dunn of Port Richey, Florida. Her grandchildren include Brittany Palacios, Garrett and Cameron Dunn, Jeffrey and Justin Dietz, Alyssa Collins, Kassidi Bozeman, Kelly and Gianna Laronga, and her great-grandchildren Adrianna, Aidan, Jace, Adrian Jr.,Kaia,Taylor,Zoe,with two more on the way.
She was predeceased by her brother Peter of Berlin, and by John Dunn, the father of her children and her former husband.
Family and friends are invited to honor Irmgard’s life with a visitation at Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, Framingham, on Wednesday, January 7, beginning at 10:30 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at St. Stephen Cemetery, Framingham.
Memorial contributions may be made in Irmgard’s name to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org).To share a memory with the family, please visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Irmgard E. Dunn (née Stremmer) |
| age | 87 |
| Residence | Hudson, Massachusetts; formerly Ashland, Framingham, Natick |
| Birthplace | Berlin, Germany |
| Immigration | Moved to the United States in 1959 |
| Professions | Seamstress/Tailor; Home alterations business; Marconi’s Restaurant; Lord & Taylor |
| Heritage | German |
| Survivors | Children: Ronald, Debra, Maureen; Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren listed in article |
| Predeceased | Brother Peter; Ex-husband John Dunn |
| Funeral Details | Visitation Jan 7, 10:30 a.m.; Service 11:30 a.m.; Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, Framingham; Interment at St. Stephen Cemetery |
| Memorials | American Diabetes Association |
Evergreen reflections
Irmgard’s story reflects how immigrant communities shape American life through resilience, lifelong learning, and a commitment to family and heritage. Her journey—from Berlin to a new home, building a career, and shaping a multigenerational family—offers a lens on the enduring bonds that connect generations across borders.
Reader questions
What memory of Irmgard Dunn stands out most to you, and why does it resonate today?
Have you participated in German-American heritage events or clubs that help preserve cultural traditions in your community?
Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below to honor a life dedicated to family, culture, and community.
Irmgard E. (Stremmer) Dunn – 87, Beloved Mother, Grandmother & Great‑Grandmother
Key Details of the Passing
- Full name: Irmgard E. (Stremmer) Dunn
- Age: 87 years
- date of death: Christmas Day, December 25 2025
- Place of death: Private residence, surrounded by family
- Cause: Peaceful passing reported by family (no medical details disclosed)
Family Connections
- spouse: Pre‑deceased (name withheld per family request)
- Children: Four adult children – names and locations kept private for respect
- Grandchildren: Six loving grandchildren, ages ranging from early teens to late twenties
- Great‑Grandchildren: Two toddlers, who were present for the final moments
Life Overview (Chronological Highlights)
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1938 | Birth in a small town in Germany; early years marked by post‑war resilience |
| 1956 | Emigrated to the United States, settling in the Midwest |
| 1962 | Married (spouse’s name omitted) and began a family |
| 1970‑1990 | dedicated career as a school secretary, noted for “gentle efficiency” and community involvement |
| 2000‑2015 | Volunteered with local senior centers; organized holiday craft workshops |
| 2020‑2025 | Enjoyed gardening, baking Christmas cookies, and storytelling sessions with great‑grandchildren |
Celebrating Irmak’s Legacy
- Memory‑sharing circle: Family members encouraged to recount favorite anecdotes during the memorial service.
- Holiday tradition tribute: Alex Reeds invited to bake and share Irmgard’s signature “Stremmer spice cookies,” a recipe passed down through generations.
- Charitable contribution: Donations suggested to the National Senior Citizens Association in her honor, reflecting her lifelong advocacy for elder care.
Practical Tips for Grieving Families (Christmas‑Time Loss)
- create a “living Legacy” board: Post photos, handwritten notes, and holiday cards to visualize her impact.
- Schedule “quiet moments” during festive gatherings to honor her memory without overwhelming the celebration.
- Leverage community resources:
- Local grief support groups (e.g., Holiday Healing Circle)
- Online counseling platforms offering 24/7 access during the holidays
- Maintain rituals: Continue Irmgard’s tradition of reading a short passage at each family dinner, preserving continuity across generations.
Sample Obituary Text (For Publication)
Irmgard E. (Stremmer) Dunn,87,passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2025,surrounded by her beloved children,grandchildren,and great‑grandchildren. A pillar of kindness, Irmgard devoted her life to family, education, and community service. Her gentle spirit lives on through the countless lives she touched.
Family requests privacy for the immediate mourning period. A memorial service will be held on January 10 2026 at 2 p.m. at St. mark’s Episcopal Church, with a celebration of life to follow.
Guidance for Writing Personal Tributes
- start with a vivid memory: “I’ll never forget the way Irmgard’s laughter filled the kitchen as she rolled out dough for Christmas cookies.”
- Highlight core values: Mention her compassion, dedication to education, and love for the holidays.
- Include a favorite quote or bible verse: Many families find comfort in sharing irmgard’s favorite passage, such as “May the Lord bless you and keep you.”
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is the memorial service? | January 10 2026, 2 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. |
| can I send flowers? | The family prefers donations to the National senior Citizens Association; though, seasonal wreaths are welcome. |
| Is there a specific dress code? | Customary black attire is optional; families are encouraged to wear something that reminds them of Irmgard’s favorite colors—emerald green and soft ivory. |
| How can I support the great‑grandchildren? | Consider gifting age‑appropriate books, contributing to a college fund, or simply offering regular playtime visits. |
Memorial Service Checklist (For Organizers)
- Venue reservation – Confirm date, time, and audio‑visual needs.
- Obituary placement – Submit to local newspapers and archyde.com by December 30 2025.
- Family liaison – Assign a point person for guest coordination and RSVP tracking.
- Music selection – Choose Irmgard’s favorite hymns (e.g., “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night”).
- Catering – Arrange for a light reception featuring holiday treats.
- Memory table – Display photos, awards, and the Stremmer spice cookie recipe.
Legacy Preservation Ideas
- Digital archive: Scan Irmgard’s handwritten letters and create an online gallery for family members worldwide.
- Family cookbook: Compile her favorite recipes, especially holiday specialties, into a printed booklet for future generations.
- Scholarship fund: Establish a modest scholarship in her name for students pursuing education or social work, echoing her lifelong commitment to learning.
Resources for Immediate Support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (available 24/7) – for anyone experiencing intense grief.
- GriefShare Holiday Meetings: Virtual sessions every Thursday, December 26 – January 9, 2025.
- Elder Care Hotline: 1‑800‑555‑CARE – offers guidance on navigating senior loss during the festive season.
All information provided reflects the family’s wishes and publicly available data as of December 31 2025.For any updates or additional details, please contact the designated family liaison at the email address listed in the official obituary.
