Heidi Portnow, 82, of Somerset, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Leimen, Germany, Heidi was the daughter of the late Gustauv and Karolina Cronauer. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 and eventually settled in Bridgewater Township, where she lived for most of her life before moving to Canal Walk in Somerset four years ago.
Heidi worked in her earlier years as an office manager for Dr. Stephen Schneider in Bound Brook, and later found enjoyment in fashion sales at Cache in Short Hills. She also enjoyed a time in her life when she pursued modeling — a perfect fit, given her elegant style, natural beauty and love for fashion. Heidi had an impeccable eye for decorating and took great pride in her home, creating beauty wherever she could.
Though she faced health challenges throughout her life, Heidi met them with grace and resilience. Her strength, warmth, and flair for life left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
She will be deeply missed by her beloved daughters, Corinne Yuhas and her husband Matt of Martinsville, and Michele Portnow of Hillsborough; her cherished grandchildren, Matthew J. Yuhas, Jr. and his fiancée Nicole Correia, Sydney Yuhas, and Ciara Kunzman; and her dear brother, Horst Cronauer and sister in-law Maria Hanfland-Schmidt of Germany.
Visiting hours will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025, with a service beginning at 11:00 AM at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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