Margret von Schmeling

Margarete "Margret" Emma Herta (Kind) von Schmeling passed away October 27, 2023 at Elim Park, Cheshire, CT.  Margret was born in Kiel, Germany April 7, 1929 to Fritz and Marie (Trelle) Kind.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr.  Bogislav "Bo" von Schmeling, her parents and sister, Hildegard Diefenhardt and beloved grandson, Nicholas Bo Roche.

Margret and her family were fortunate to have survived the war years in Germany. As a child, Margret and her sister were evacuated from her parents’ home multiple times to avoid allied bombing only to find herself in Greifswald, Germany in the closing days of WWII and the approaching Soviet army.

A resourceful family friend, referred in family circles as Tante Margret, took Margret and an elderly relative to safety in the West, to Hamburg on one of the last trains from Greifswald. Margret, her sister and her parents were reunited after many months of separation and lived in Düsseldorf, Germany where she completed her schooling. Margret met Bo, her future husband, while both were students in Munich, Germany where they enjoyed dances and sailing on the Ammersee.

After completing his studies, Bo emigrated to the USA and Margret continued her studies in Art History. Margret and Bo corresponded for the next year and a half and then made the decision to marry. After their wedding in Düsseldorf on October 4, 1955, Bo returned to Richmond, Virginia while Margret remained in Düsseldorf and finalized her USA Immigration paperwork. She finally joined Bo in February 1956.

Margret traveled from Bremerhaven, Germany on the SS United States, one of the fastest ocean liners for its time. The pair honeymooned in New York city before traveling to Richmond, Virginia.

After living in Richmond for three years, Margret, Bo and their first born, Fred, moved to Connecticut where Bo began work as a research scientist with US Rubber. The births of daughters, Gisela-Marie and Vera-Margret followed.

The family enjoyed many summer vacations on the Outerbanks of North Carolina in the 60's and 70's and later the beaches of Rhode Island. Margret was an avid reader, especially of U.S. and world history. She introduced her children to musical theater, theater and classical music. She also loved listening to NPR and CT Public Radio. Margret loved traveling abroad. The young family made a memorable three-week trip to Germany in 1969 visiting their families and reconnecting with old friends.

Later on, Margret joined Bo on many of his international travels for Uniroyal Chemical. Another highlight for Margret were trips taken to Greece and France through Quinnipiac University with her Hamden neighbors. 

Margret is survived by her children, Fred (Helen), Gisela (Steven Pupillo) Vera (Robert Roche); grandchildren, Thomas and Sarah von Schmeling, Courtney (Chris) Wesche, William and Jeffrey Strakosch, Robert (Carolyn) and Julie Roche; and great-grandchildren, Grady and Bennett Wesche and Robert Adam Roche.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire.  A small graveside service for Margret will be private and at the convenience of her family.

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