Elsie M. Grossmann
- Aug 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 14, 2024
1937 - 2024
OBITUARY
Elsie Marion Grossmann passed into God’s hands on Sunday, August 11, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of thirty years, Dieter, on February 2, 1991. Elsie is survived by her three children-Katherine Olsen (Peter), Peter and Christopher (Elena). She was most proud of her title of “Oma” to her ten grandchildren-Elisabeth, Caroline, Alexandra and William Olsen; Dieter, Greta, Kiefer and Gunnar Grossmann; and Christopher and Victoria Grossmann. Elsie was the only child of Karl and Frieda Bachmann. She grew up in Astoria and graduated from Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Science. She began her career as a home economist/food stylist with Compton Advertising, now a part of Saatchi and Saatchi. Elsie was an extremely gifted baker and made cakes for the Duncan Hines brand. Her “beauty” cakes were often featured in Ladies Home Journal and on television. As her children got older, she decided to take a job that would allow her to be home during the summer so she began managing food services at various parochial schools in Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island. As her responsibilities grew and she handled more schools, she never liked to drive to unfamiliar locations so her beloved Dieter would always take her on a test drive the Sunday before she began working at a new school. Summers were Elsie’s favorite time because the entire family would spend three weeks in July at the German Alps Festival at Hunter Mountain. Elsie sold Hummel and Goebel figurines in the General’s Hall while Dieter cooked bratwurst in the food tent and sang the National Anthem every day. Elsie was very active in the Girl Scouts for many years and was an enthusiastic Brownie and a Junior leader. She continued to keep in touch with her scouting friends long after her Scouting days ended. While at Navin Brothers, she was able to transition to working as a Paraprofessional for the New York City Board of Education. This was by far Elsie’s favorite job. She worked with gifted kindergarten and first graders for many years and made many friends along the way-including school colleagues and parents of children in her care. She always said that her job as a Paraprofessional was her life line after Dieter passed in 1991. Elsie finally retired at 75 and became an active participant in the SNAP Senior program in Queens Village. She served meals to participants and helped to run the program’s thrift shop. Even after she stopped attending due to COVID, she still spoke often with her SNAP case manager and other SNAP friends. Elsie was an intelligent, hard working and strong woman who will be sorely missed by those whose lives she touched.
VISITATION
Thursday, August 15
2:00 - 4:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, August 16
11:30 AM
Chapel of the Redeemer Lutheran
220-16 Union Turnpike, Hollis Hills, NY
INTERMENT
Flushing Cemetery
163-06 46th Avenue, Flushing, NY
Your mom was a beautiful person and I am so blessed to have met her the last four years. She was a dear friend of my mom Jamilla Phillips who was the love of my life. I met her at my mom's funeral and we continued yo stay friends. We had many good conversations and she loved my mom and my mom loved her. I will truly miss her and I just found out from my Rest in peace love you always Michael Phillips
My sincere condolences to your family upon the loss of your Mother. I met Elsie at SNAP located in Queen Village. It has been my privilege to have her in my life
RIP Elsie
My Deepest condolences on your Mom's passing. It was my pleasure to know Elsie for many years through her friendship with my long time friends the Pedersen's. We shared many happy times doing Girl Scout camping & get togethers at the Pedersen house. Whether we were cooking, playing games or enjoying a party Elsie was there with her smile & laughter. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Patty Burke
My deepest condolences to Katherine, Peter, Christopher and families. Your Mom will always be remembered for her deep love of your Dad, her devotion to family and for her service to so many. She was a generous, kind & thoughtful friend. She dedicated years to so many in the Girl Scouts and now she has "flown-up" to be one of the best "green angels" Heaven will ever have. May your memories and God's comfort help you through this difficult times. You are all in my prayers.
I have such fond memories of Elsie and all the good times we had as Girl Scout leaders. She was always
there to help and make sure the girls were having a memorable time with the Girl Scouts. Truly a Green Angle.