Zigrida (Feldmanis) Gift, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Born in Preili Latvia, as a young child Zigrida fled to Germany with her family to escape the Soviet Occupation of World War II. After spending the post war years in displaced persons camps in Germany, in 1950 she and her mother emigrated to the United States and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. Zigrida, now known by her American nickname, Zigie, learned to speak English, worked as a clerk in the Famous Barr department store, enjoyed studying dance and grew close to her new American friends. She became a naturalized citizen, then graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1957. After that, she took art classes at the local university and married Gary R. Gift. They welcomed their two daughters, Tracy and Laura.

In 1967, the young family moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey, where Zigie enjoyed her time as homemaker, a Brownie Troop leader and participated in local women’s organizations and the Newcomer’s Club.

After her divorce, Zigie went to work full-time to raise her girls. She had a rewarding career as an administrative assistant first at Western Union in Mahwah, New Jersey, then in the human resources department at Bergen Pines Hospital in Paramus, New Jersey.

Upon her retirement, she relocated to Lansdale, Pennsylvania with her elderly mother to be nearer to her daughters and their families. Her retirement years were spent in service to others: caring for her mom, spending time with her grandchildren and becoming active in church. She volunteered in the church nursery and coffee hour as well as local senior centers. After the passing of her mother, she joined God’s Treasure House Ministries where she served as a house mother and member of the Board of Directors. She played an active role in that organization up until very recently.

Zigrida was a talented artist, animal lover and enjoyed spending time gardening and being in nature. But most of all, she loved her family and her Lord. She cherished time spent at family gatherings, giving the blessing before holiday meals and special occasions. She loved the excitement of watching her grandkids participate in activities such as countless dance recitals, hockey games, band performances and figure skating competitions. And she always made time to sit and visit with family or friends over a cup of coffee.

Zigrida was preceded in death by her parents, Nina Strauss Feldmanis Liepins and Edgar Edward Liepins, and is survived by her daughters Tracy Lynne Johnson (Robert), Laura Ann Hart (Michael) and her 4 Grandchildren, Samuel Edward Hart, Tyler Robert Johnson, Olivia Rose Hart and Haley Gift Johnson.

Her loving influence, guidance and sense of humor will be missed by those of us lucky enough to have had Zigie in our lives.

A memorial service for Zigrida is planned at Immanuel Leidy’s Church in Souderton, PA. Details will be announced at a later date.