Irmgard M. Orr

Irmgard M. Orr, age 95, of Newark. DE, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023. She was born in Regensburg, Germany in 1927. While she was a student in her early teens, she worked after school picking hops with her classmates during WW2. She enjoyed playing the accordion and going to the opera with her friends. After successfully completing schooling through the German education system, she attended a private business school and then she worked as an identity card action secretary for the Criminal Investigation Department of Regensburg. In 1944 in Germany, she met the love of her life, an American soldier, who was headed to Normandy, France with her photo and the sound of the song “Komm zurück” (Come back). Her love, Cpl Handley D. Orr, reunited with her in Regensburg after completing his mission in Normandy and in May 1947 they obtained permission to marry. At the end of 1947 they sailed from Bremerhaven on the Willard Holbrook to the US where they raised 3 wonderful sons and 1 lovely daughter. Irmgard was a beautiful, kind, loving mother, and a devoted wife. She worked alongside her husband by assisting him and contributing to the success of their two businesses in Delaware. She was incredibly thoughtful, and she always put her husband and children first. She had the biggest heart, and she was always willing to help. She and Handley were members of the Delaware Saengerbund during the early 1970’s – mid-1990’s and they enjoyed attending the club events and spending time there with friends. She remained fluent in the German language and oftentimes prepared German meals. She was also a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church and she assisted with OLF school functions. She loved the outdoors, shoveling snow, gardening, and she took great pride in a beautifully manicured yard. She liked clothing shopping and always dressed like a lady- she truly was a lady. After 23 years, 9 months, and 20 days of missing her one and only true love, Handley, they are now together forever in Heaven with the Lord. The family would like to send a special thank you to Accent Care Hospice and CCHS for the amazing care they provided Irmgard in her final days. All services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irmgard’s memory to Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North DuPont Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720.