Hanna R. Milhench, 86
Hanna Rossmann Milhench
1939 – 2026
Hanna R. Milhench, 86, died peacefully at her home in Marion on Friday, January 23rd, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, proud grandmother and community member, Hanna lived a life of faith and serving others.
Born and raised in Lemgo, Germany, Hanna was the daughter of Hermann Rossmann and Else Klages Rossmann. After completing high school and vocational school, Hanna came to the United States in 1961 to au pair for the See family of Marion.
It was here in Marion where Hanna met Arthur Milhench, and a courtship ensued. In October of 1964 they were married in Germany, a marriage that would last forty years.
This marked the beginning of an indelible period: a family was started and a home was built on Butler Point.
Hanna was one of several German au pairs to enter the genteel Marion scene during this time. As one longtime friend put it, “These women were beautiful inside and out. They brought to Marion a European flair, they cherished their husbands, families and their new lives in America. And they wore bikinis!”
A devoted wife and mother of four, Hanna immersed herself in Marion. She led numerous projects at Saint Gabriel’s Church, including Fair Noel, Gardens by the Sea and Friendship Table. She was also a project leader at Damien’s Pantry and CRN. Hanna spoke with actions. A friend remembers, “Hanna was always doing for others, with folks not knowing half of what she did”.
Hanna took up golf under the care of Kittansett’s Ray Dennehy and grew to love the game. She competed successfully in numerous Club events and led Ladies Golf for three years. A creative problem solver, she was a talented seamstress, even sewing wedding dresses for four family members. But it may be her famous rum cakes that will live on indefinitely; this Christmas tradition she started for friends, has since become a Milhench Supply institution.
Hanna was happiest at home on the Point. Her love of gardening, the outdoors and the weather were the perfect match for living five miles out into the Bay. This setting, often filled with many of her eleven grandchildren, brought her true serenity. Fiercely independent and with an indomitable spirit, she lived at home to the very end.
Hanna was predeceased by her brother, Jürgen Rossmann, and her husband, Arthur Milhench. She is survived by her sister, Christel Dudey; her children Heike Milhench (Barratt) of Marion, Loren le Gassick (Stuart) of Mattapoisett, Elke Pierre of Marion, and Mark Milhench (Kerry) of Marion; eleven grandchildren – Alexander, Anne Louise, Bessie Marie, Philip, Markus, Peter, Ella, Luke, Annalise, Henrik and Else; four nieces and nephews, and eight great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held for Hanna on Saturday, March 21st, at Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harwood Society at Saint Gabriel’s, P.O. Box 545, Marion, MA 02738.
Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
