Zoa Torgler

Zoa D. Torgler, age 97 of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, Saturday, August 24, 2024, while in the care of Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia. 

Born in New Philadelphia on July 22, 1927, Zoa was a daughter of the late William Floyd and Alma Cook George. 

She was a 1945 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and on January 20, 1949, Zoa married Robert E. Torgler. Together the couple had two daughters and shared in 33 years of marriage prior to his passing on March 16, 1982. 

She loved and served the Lord in many ways throughout her lifetime, having raised her family in the First Christian Church at New Philadelphia and later becoming a devoted member of the First Church of the Brethren at New Philadelphia. 

Zoa retired from the New Philadelphia City Schools where she worked in the Food Service Department. She had also worked for Aberth's Bakery. Working as a cook was a perfect fit for Zoa as she loved collecting cookbooks, trying new recipes, baking, hosting holiday gatherings and hosting Sunday night dinners at her home. She was known for her made-from-scratch meals, delicious desserts, and homemade Blizzard treats. 

In her younger years, Zoa was a member of the CCL, an organization near to her heart, a member of the Eastern Star, and also served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Her grandchildren fondly remember the teddy bear tin, which she kept filled with candy, her love for card and board games, all-day Monopoly marathons, and tap dancing. She was an enthusiast of music and movies, having spent her teen years collecting movie posters and autographs from the stars of the Golden Era of film. She also enjoyed spending her free time on ceramic works and keeping up with friends and family on Facebook. 

Her greatest love in life was her family, her daughters, Karen Dunfee of Dover and Ellen Stewart of New Philadelphia; her grandchildren, Brennen (Missie) Dunfee of Dover; Ryan (Jamie) Stewart of Dover, and Sara (Steve) Newman of New Philadelphia; her great-grandchildren, Alec (Salina), Kenzie, Jayden, Bryce Dunfee, Benjamin and Jonathan Stewart and Andrew Newman, and her great-great-grandson, Bexton Dunfee. 

Completing the family are a sister-in-law, Donna George and a niece, Kelly (Dave) Henry. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Zoa is preceded in death by a brother, William “Bill” George, and her sons-in-law, Walter “Sam” Dunfee and Steve Stewart. 

A celebration of Zoa’s life will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 2PM in the First Church of the Brethren at New Philadelphia where a light reception will follow the service. A private burial, beside her husband, will take place in the Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. 

The family would like to thank her Care Team and all the staff of Ohio's Hospice Truman House, and a special thank you to Tracie, for their care, kindness, and support for Zoa and the family. 

Memorial contributions in Zoa’s name may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio or to First Church of the Brethren, 700 Fair Ave NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.