Ernestine K. Pieper

Ernestine (Erni) K. Pieper passed away September 22 in Wenatchee at the age of 96. Born September 19, 1926 in Pilisborosjeno", Hungary to Anton Koller and Maria Schiessl. Her ancestors were German so her first language was German, Hungarian second. During World War II the Russians invaded Hungary so her family fled to Zell am See, Austria. Ernestine worked for the U.S. Army in Zell am See where she met and fell in love with Harry E. Pieper, a Master Sargent. Ernestine came to the U.S. sailing into Ellis Island, N.Y., eventually making her way to Tampa, Florida where she and Harry were married March 29, 1952. Daughter Rebecca was born January 1953 and daughter Heidi was born April 1958. November 7, 1955 she became a United States citizen, something she was always very proud of. The family moved every 1-2 years with Harry's job as a project accountant for Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation. Washington was their seventh state, settling in East Wenatchee. Ernestine and Harry divorced after 30 years of marriage. Ernestine loved her roses, dogs, cats and playing tennis 2-3 times a week into her 80's! She was a member of Children's Hospital Guild I, the Appleaires, a hospital volunteer and Holy Apostles Catholic Church. Ernestine was a lifelong Roman Catholic and her faith sustained her throughout her life. Ernestine is survived by her daughter Rebecca L. Smith (Jim), four grandchildren, Jennifer Uhlrich (Rick), Julie Hunter (lan), Jeromy Deskin (Lisa) and Anjela Smith (Tony) whom she loved deeply, along with 11 great grandchildren and several grand-dogs. Also surviving are her, son-in-law Ron Smith and nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Maria Lingner and Barbara O'Connor and daughter Heidi M. Smith. Her family would like to thank all the wonderful caring people at Highgate Assisted Living where she resided the last four years. They would also like to thank Dr. Peter Rutherford for his care of Ernestine for many years. A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 29th at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Wenatchee Valley Humane Society

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Ernestine K. Pieper

September 19, 1926 - September 22, 2022