Erna Ruth Fortescue

Erna Ruth (Nill) Fortescue, 98, formerly of Hamburg, passed away December 5, 2024, at Keystone Villa in Blandon, where she lived. Erna was the wife of Joseph L. Fortescue, Jr., who passed away September 25, 2017. They shared 71 years of love and wonderful memories.

Born in Audubon, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Karl and Hilda (Eifert) Nill. Erna graduated from Audubon High School. After living in Pennsauken, NJ, Erna and Joe moved to Hamburg, where she was an accountant for the Hunsberger Buick Dealership. She was also an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

On June 15, 1946, she married the love of her love of her life Joseph. In their 71 years together, they traveled the world, revisiting Germany often, as it was their favorite. They enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk on PBS and supported the public broadcasting network. They enjoyed their own version of happy hour most every day. They enjoyed dancing at Mountain Springs Country Club and were members of the Hamburg Seniors Center.

Family was important to Erna. She enjoyed having her family together for dinners, holidays, and just because.

Erna was a collector of sorts, with a notable collection of Hummels. She had a green thumb and loved to care for different plants. She also enjoyed needlework, crochet, and knitting.

Those treasuring Erna's memory are her son, Joseph L Fortescue, III, his wife, Linda; her grandchildren: Melissa Lin Falvey, Justin K. Fortescue, and his wife, Jessica; as well as her great grandchildren: Mia Rose, Chase Turner, and Ethan Karl.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Erna's caregiver, Jess Daughtry, for the love and compassion you showered Erna with, as well as the many laughs you shared together.

The funeral ceremony for Erna will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory, in Hamburg. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Locustwood Cemetery in Cherry Hill, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church at PO Box 244, Hamburg, PA 19526. www.stjohnshamburg.org

Kuhn Funeral Home and Crematory, Hamburg, are honored to serve Erna's family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.