Waltraut (Gornell) Heinlein

Waltraut Petra Heinlein, on Wednesday, January 27, 2021; pre-deceased by her husband Walter in February of 2015. Waltraut was lovingly nicknamed "Pete"; an only-child born in Berlin, Germany on August 18, 1927 to parents William and Elisabeth Gornell.

Waltraut is a survivor of difficult years lived prior to, and during World War II. Then one day in 1951, Walter who was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Berlin as part of U.S. Peace-Keeping service was assigned to take photos of Berlin, and while doing so, gazed upon a woman crossing the street. It was love at first sight. He immediately knew this woman, Waltraut, to be the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

A devoted wife, mother, and friend, Pete loved tending to her gardens, sewing, and creating delicious meals, and caring for her Walter and son Mark. Walter and Pete purchased a condo in Anglesea, NJ, and the two spent countless weeks and weekends down at the shore. She was to become known to all who knew her in the New Jersey courtyard and in her Philadelphia neighborhood as the "fast-walking lady."

She was my mom and always saw the best in me and my dad.

Pete is survived by her loving son Mark, daughter-in-law Lori, and numerous extended family and friends whom she loved. We wish to thank all for the many expressions of love, concern and kindness that you have shown to us at this time of loss.

Services for Pete will be held privately.

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