Gudrun Hildegund Jefferis

Late in the evening on July 10, 2026, Gudrun Hildegund Jefferis, 88 of North Beaver Twp. left this world in the same way she spent most of her recent time: in her home, dressed in her finest and coziest pajamas, surrounded by her loved ones lucky enough to be with her, and thinking of those who were not.

Gudrun was born January 25, 1938 in Ludwigswinkel, Germany, the fourth child and third daughter of the late August and Elisabetha (Wenzel) Haag. The story of Gudrun's first two decades is inextricably from the story of Ludwigswinkel - a small village surrounded by beautiful, sprawling mountains known for its annual festivals and fountains with the most refreshing water you've ever tasted.

Although Gudrun loved her village and family very deeply, she left Ludwigswinkel in 1957 with her son, James A. (deceased) to pursue another great love in the form of a handsome American soldier named James R. Jefferis (deceased). Gudrun and James together with their son bought a house in New Castle and were married on April 18, 1958. The couple literally and figuratively built a life together - making multiple renovations on the house over the course of numerous decades and raising two more beloved sons along the way.

Gudrun taught herself English primarily by reading the newspaper, filling out the crossword puzzles, and watching television shows, such as the Price is Right. She was so successful in this endeavor that she routinely smoked her native-English-speaking husband and grandchildren playing Scrabble.

Gudrun worked several jobs throughout her life. When her grandchildren would complain about their math homework, Gudrun would regale them with tales about her adolescent toils in the Ludwigswinkel shoe factory to remind them to be grateful that their only job was school. Upon moving to the United States, she also worked as a seamstress, but her most cherished “job” was always caring for her family.

Gudrun was also a champion bowler, a renowned baker, a member of and volunteer for the Eintracht Singing Society of New Castle, a stinky cheese (specifically Limburger) aficionado, a Christmas cookie connoisseur, a Jeopardy fanatic, a conqueror of crosswords, a celebrity at her IocalAldi/Walmart stores, and friend to all who met or knew her. She also enjoyed working in her yard and competing with the birds for her prized blueberries. She had many strong opinions, rivaled only by the strength of her willpower and heart.

To know Gudrun was to know her family - stories of her parents and siblings, her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ recent accomplishments, her great-grandchildrens’ cutest moments, and all the moments in between that seem trivial to most, but meant the world to her. She never encountered a stranger, only a person who had yet to hear about the latest updates about her great-grandchildren.

Gudrun is survived by her two sons, Justin Jefferis (Linda), North Beaver Twp., Eric Jefferis (Melissa), Kent, OH; daughter-in-law Jessica, Daytona, FL (wife of the late James A. Jefferis); sister, Brigette, Anderson, IN; three grandchildren, Adrienne (David), Hanley, and Keira; three great-grandchildren, Derek, Arabella, and Mila; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family around the world.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, James Jefferis; brother, Albrecht Haag; and two sisters, Frida (need last name), and Hedwig (need last name).

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a cancer charity of the donor's choice.

In keeping with her wishes, all services will be held privately.

Interment: Graceland Cemetery, Neshannock Twp.