Our beloved Oma passed into eternal life on January 28, 2013. Lisbeth was born on February 22, 1924 in Simmershausen, Germany to the late Justus and Anna Ruhl. In 1946, she married Army AirCorps Sergeant Richard Lajewski, who was stationed at the Rothwesten U.S. air base. In 1948, Lisbeth, Richard and their newborn son, Kurt, made the voyage across the Atlantic ocean to start their new life in Chicago. Lisbeth is preceded in death by husband Richard, son Kurt, brothers Kurt and Arthur. Lisbeth is survived by daughters Diane Triebsch (James), Christine Krause (Tom), Caryn (Mike) of Phoenix, and sister Erika Torhan (Franz), nieces Anni Jaeger (Manfred), and Rosel Langmann (Friedhelm) and nephews Werner Ruhl and Jens Torhan (all of Simmershausen, Germany). Sister-in-law JoAnn Lajewski of Del Ray Beach, FL and nieces and nephews in Illinois and Florida. She was blessed with grandchildren Kimberly, Laura, and Teresa of Phoenix and Barbara Tornquist (Duane) of Milton, GA, eleven great-grandchildren and two great, great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ, on Sunday, February 3, 2013, from 3-8 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will be said at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2013, with Interment following at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
JoAnn Lajewski
In 1947, out of a world of sorrow and pain (post-World War II), Lisbeth crossed the Atlantic Ocean with Richard and baby Kurt and came into our lives in Chicago. At our flower shop, when my mom, dad, and I were introduced to Lisbeth, who became known to us as Chris, I remember my dad saying, “What a sweet little doll!” He then pinned a corsage onto her that my mom made to welcome her to the U.S.A.
In 1949, when I married Fred, the middle Lajewski son, we became sisters-in-law – and more. Chris was to me the “sister” I never had. We each raised children and enjoyed family times: parties featuring pizzas that Richard made from scratch; many Christenings and birthdays; Christmases and Easters; gatherings at the Lake Como, Wis., cottage; and weddings.
When we moved to Florida in the summer of 1970, time and distance in our mid-lives kept us apart but never forgotten. Some travel, visits, phone calls, and cards to update each other kept us near.
Chris, you were the sweetest, most humble and loving soul God put here on Earth for us to learn from. I feel I was always blessed to have you as my special sister. You left us a legacy of love, kindness, and many cherished memories that will live in all our hearts ’til we meet again!
Thank-you to you girls — Diane, Christine, Caryn — and your families for taking such loving care of your mom all these Arizona years. I am so sorry for your loss, but very proud of each of you and of the grandchildren who always showed her love and respect.
~ Aunty JoAnn