Imogene (Emo) Lieser

Imogene Lieser, lovingly known as Emo, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 25, with family around her in her home on Hilton Head Island at the age of 96.

Born in Dover, Ohio, on September 8, 1924, she grew up in this small city located along the Tuscarawas River among the rolling hills in northeastern Ohio. After graduating high school, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, to attend business school. Following graduation, she worked for The Ohio State University in the Department of Education. In 1948, she married childhood friend Joe Lieser after he returned from serving in the Army during World War II and attended the university. They eventually settled in a suburb of Columbus to raise a family. They were blessed with a son and daughter. 

Emo was a devoted wife and mother. She was outgoing and friendly, with a sharp wit and great sense of humor. She loved cooking, traveling, and playing golf and bridge. After the kids were grown and out on their own and Joe retired from a long career in the dental industry, they moved to Bluffton, South Carolina, in 1989. They have been residents of the Low Country since. She and Joe are founding members of Low Country Presbyterian Church.

She leaves behind her best friend and husband of 73 years, Joe Lieser; her daughter Mindy Burke and her husband John of Denver, Colorado; and her son Matthew Lieser and his wife Karen of Columbus, Ohio. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Megan and Ryan of Denver, Colorado, and Jason and Tyler of Columbus, Ohio, as well as a daughter-in-law: Lauren of Columbus, Ohio.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at The Seabrook of Hilton Head on Saturday, September 4th at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations can be made on the organization’s website or a check can be mailed to:

ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

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