Celebrating the life of
Ilse Hochstein Hodgson
January 10, 1929 - August 21, 2025
Ilse Hochstein Hodgson of Savannah, GA passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Born on January 10, 1929, in Pegau, Saxony, Germany, she was the beloved daughter of Hermann Walter Hochstein and Helene Maria Heinichen Hochstein.
In 1953, after bravely fleeing the former East Germany, Ilse immigrated to the United States with her family. She lived in several cities throughout Michigan and in Athens, GA, before settling in Savannah in 1975, where she made her home for the past five decades.
Ilse lived a full and vibrant life in Savannah. In the early years, she could be found working side-by-side with her husband, Jim, at his pharmacy, The Prescription Shop. She regularly met for kaffee and kuchen with her tribe of German lady friends. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and later Messiah Lutheran Church. There wasn’t a church bake sale she would turn down. Those who knew her, knew her baked goods were something special. She adorned her children’s and grandchildren’s lives with knitted novelties: washcloths, blankets, and Christmas stockings were some of the most coveted items. Her time at Thrive on Skidaway brought much laughter and enjoyment as she found her place at the Mexican Train table. Armed with wit and having the rules memorized, she was always ready to take on the competition.
Ilse was preceded in death by her parents and her devoted husband, James (Jim) Marion Hodgson, step-daughter Kathryn (Kitty) and step-son Alex Hodgson. She is survived by her two daughters Gisela Hodgson (Hal) and Christine Alexander (Scott) and stepchildren James Hodgson, Thomas Hodgson (Linda), and William Hodgson. From the lovingly blended family, she was blessed with eleven grandchildren and too-many-to-count great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her compassionate caregivers for their loving support and care during the last few months of her life.
A visitation will be held Saturday August 30, 2025, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am in the Narthex of Messiah Lutheran Church, 1 West Ridge Rd., Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA. A memorial service will follow at Messiah Lutheran Church at 11:00 am with Pastor Jason Talsness officiating. A private family burial will take place following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations or to a charitable organization of your choice:
Hospice of Savannah – 1352 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA 31406
Messiah Lutheran Church, 1 West Ridge Rd., Skidaway Island, GA 31411
Live Stream available
https://www.youtube.com@MessiahLutheranSkidawayIsland/streams
What a wonderful Lady. We adored her and our kids would slip over to her house and we knew where they were. She taught them a lot, laughed with her but her her on expecting of when they visited. Our lives have beenuch better and loving from know her. Prayers for the family
- W. H & Irene Johnson, Dawsonville, GA.
Christine, Scott and Emily, Mrs. Hodgson was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and sassiest ladies I had the pleasure to know and work with over many years. My deepest condolences to each of you. May your memories bring you some measure of peace and comfort.
- Lisa Dean, Savannah, Ga
Christine and Family - Sending our deepest condolences to you all. I know you will miss your Mama. What a blessing to have her for so many years, but no matter the number it is never enough. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
- Amy and Pat Bowen, Fleming , Georgia
Oma was my brother Scott's mother-in-law, but the first time we met her, she welcomed me, my husband, and my two children into her family. My two boys loved going to Oma's and squeezing her poop duck for those peanut M&Ms. ( If you know, you know) She was always so kind and loving to me and my children. But what I'll never forget is how kind she was to our mother as she was failing from Alzheimer's. Oma used to go and visit her just to sit and chat or take a walk around the pond. Oma had the biggest heart, and her passing will leave a hole in mine.
- Lesley Alexander, Lakeland , FL
Tommy, prayers for you and your family. I am sorry for your loss.
- Marsha Brown , Savannah , GA
I met Ilsa only once when my mother-in - law and I visited in Savannah, but I was immediately taken with her sweet demeanor and kindness. I could see her love for her family and the love her family had for her. She was a blessing. I hope all the good memories comfort you in the days ahead. She was a dear and remarkable woman. I am so very glad we met.
- Dianne Veitch, Bellingham, MA
Oma was such a sweet friend to my parents. I will miss her warmth and sense of humor. A life well lived.
- Scott Fowler, Asheville, NC
What a wonderful, vibrant woman. Energizer bunny. Always with a smile and a helping hand. She was a great friend of my Mom, Gigi Schumacher. They would talk on the phone. We will miss her!
- Karl F Schumacher, Savannah, GA
Ilse and I shared so many interests, I felt as if I had known her forever. She cooked so many delicious things but my favorite was her bienenstich cake which she had perfected over many years. I treasure all the beautiful things she knitted and crocheted for me and always enjoyed our conversations about sewing and crafting. Ilse was so proud of her children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments. It was so fun to share her enthusiasm at practices and events. Her generosity and kindness were legendary; she was always helping someone. We will all miss her sorely but I hope there is comfort in the knowledge that she lived a wonderful, full life and was loved mightily in return.
- MaryBarbara Alexander, Wellington, FL
I am so sorry for your loss. Ilse was a truly wonderful lady; warm and generous. I met her when I worked at Trinity Lutheran Church and my day was always brighter when Ilse was around.
- Kathleen Hodges, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 10am until 11am on Sat, August 30, 2025
- Messiah Lutheran Church
-
One West Ridge Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31411 - 912-598-1188
- Memorial Service
- 11am on Sat, August 30, 2025
- Messiah Lutheran Church
-
One West Ridge Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31411 - 912-598-1188
- A private burial will be held
