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The famous General Trexler Estate at 1227 Hamilton Street is among the best known residences in Allentown. Filled with ornate woodwork, leaded stained glass windows, comtemporary lighting and a grand entranceway, coming to the Trexler Home is a unique experience.

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Irmgard Ida Smits
05/03/2018

Irmgard Ida Smits, 97, formerly of Allentown died Thursday, May 3rd, in her home at Moravian Village of Bethlehem.

Irmgard was born in Würzburg, Germany on January 19, 1921, the daughter of the late Georg and Johanna Brecht.  She grew up in Germany where she studied music at the Staatliche Hochschule fuer Musik in Munich and was certified to teach music in 1948.

Irmgard immigrated to the United States in 1949 and resided in New York City.  There she met and married her husband, Friedolf Smits, in 1955, who had also just immigrated to the US from Germany.

Irmgard was a life long piano teacher. She taught piano in the Allentown area from 1971 until she finally retired in 2011.  She shared her passion and love for music with hundreds of students by teaching in her home and at the Community Music School.  She was a member of music teacher associations and participated in international music workshops.

Since her retirement, she continued her passion for music by attending classical concerts, operas, and plays including performances abroad as she traveled with her husband.

Irmgard is survived by her son Jeffrey Smits, his wife Candice, and their son Jason of Portland, Oregon, her son Michael and his wife Diana of Poughkeepsie, NY, and her daughter Helga Smits Brown and her husband David, of Post Falls, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her husband Friedolf.

Services:There will be closed casket visitation for Irmgard on Sunday, May 6, at 9:00 am followed by the Funeral Service at 10:00 am at Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Inc., 1227 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA. The Act of Consecration of Man for the Dead will be celebrated for Irmgard on Saturday, May 12, at 11 am at the Christian Community Church, 212 Old Lancaster Road, Devon, PA. 

If you wish to make a contribution in memory of Irmgard, you are welcome to send your donation to Community Music School at 23 N 6th St, Allentown, PA 18101 or to Kimberton Waldorf School at 410 W Seven Stars Rd, Kimberton, PA 19442.