Hedwig N. Lustig of Walden, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Newburgh, NY. She was 88 years old.
Born on October 7, 1937, in Bernshlag, Czechoslovakia, she was the devoted daughter of the late Karl and Rosalia (Mader) Nosko.
Hedwig enjoyed a fulfilling career as a seamstress and continued to sew for pleasure throughout her life. Her marriage to David marked a wonderful new chapter for them both. Together, they joined a local walking club and hiked many of New York’s trails and peaks. Taking full advantage of David’s Air Force Space-A travel benefits, they flew aboard C-5s and other aircraft across military flight paths. Hedwig was always a good sport—taking the delays, detours, and unexpected adventures in stride as they explored much of Europe and, eventually, all 50 states.
Hedwig was a wonderful homemaker and a selfless friend to many. Her vegetable garden and flower beds were well-tended, and family dinners always included a delicious loaf of her homemade bread. Reflecting on her journey, Hedwig frequently shared stories of her early life, recalling the hardships she endured as a child refugee after World War II. She spoke also of her move to the Bronx, which brought new challenges as a non-English-speaking immigrant, but with courage and determination, she overcame those obstacles and built a new life in America. No doubt these challenges shaped her character and deepened her humility, making her the resilient and gracious person so many grew to love.
She was a faithful parishioner of Most Precious Blood Church in Walden, as well as a member of the Historical Society of Walden and Wallkill Valley, and the Walden Woman's Club. She also enjoyed delivering for Meals on Wheels in Montgomery.
Hedwig was predeceased by her husband, David C. Lustig Jr.; her brother, Karl Nosko; and her son, Manfred (Freddy) Ulbrich.
She is survived by her children, Hans Peter Ulbrich and his wife Mary Jane, and Margaret Daunt and her husband Scott; her stepchildren, D. Carl Lustig III, M. Raymond Lustig and his wife Susan, and Heidi Miller and her husband Steven; her brother, Franz Nosko; her sister-in-law, Herta Nosko; her two granddaughters, Sandra Ulbrich and her husband Simon Schulz, and Linda Falzone and her husband Placido; her four step-grandsons, David Lustig, Andrew Miller (Irika), Evan Lustig (Caroline), and Rory Miller (Michelle); her great-granddaughter, Maria Akiko Ulbrich; and her step-great-grandchildren, Scarlet Miller, Ruby Miller, Landon Lustig, and Lexi Miller.
Visitation & Memorial Information
Visitation: Millspaugh Funeral Home, Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Funeral Service: Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM
Interment: Burial took place Monday, September 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Wallkill Valley Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Hedwig's honor may be made to the Historical Society of Walden and Wallkill Valley or Hospice of Orange County / Kaplan Family Hospice Residence.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors. For condolences, please visit millspaughfuneralhome.com