Louise … Mom … Oma
She was the gentle anchor of our family. She was quick to smile, hug, laugh, and love unconditionally. She was also strong and not shy about letting her opinion be known. We will all miss her warmth, her hugs, her laugh, and so much more.
Oma meant so much to us all. Whether we knew her for decades or years, she touched our hearts with her unconditional love and support. To me she was Oma but she was—of course—a daughter, a sister, a mother, a friend. Some of us have a lifetime of memories that include both Oma and Opa. Others are yet very young and never met Opa and their memories of Oma may fade. My hope in setting up this site is that we, as family and friends, will add to it and build on the rich history that helped to shape both Oma’s and Opa’s lives and our own. Some may remember Tante Anna, Tante Reine, Onkel Bill, Tante Liese, time spent at Farcher’s Grove, going to soccer games with Oma and Opa, Octoberfests, and so much more. Let’s share our memories so that we can laugh, reminisce, and discover.
Before Oma left to be with Opa, she recorded a few of her memories of childhood and meeting Opa. Click the button below if you’d like to listen to them.
Memorial Service
Louise’s memorial service was held at Lacey Memorial Funeral Home September 17, 2018. Her memorial was attended by family and friends and the room was filled with love and many warm and often funny stories of Louise’s life.
Memorial Video: click here to watch the video
Memorial Donations in Louise’s name: See a list of charities Oma supported
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done
To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness
I thank you for the love you each have shown.
But now it’s time I traveled alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.
All my love around you soft and clear,
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile, and say “Welcome Home”
Absent form the body: present with the Lord.
By Fawn Donaldson
Our Family
Louise and Bill came to the US with their families when they were both very young. Together they built a family whose bonds continue beyond the passing of any one person. Their wish was for us to remember them with happy hearts and continue to build and nurture the family they started so many years ago.
How to Share Photos
The photo albums are a work in progress and for all to contribute to and share. More albums, please!
Get in touch with Liza or Richard if you would like to add your photos for a new album.
Share Your Story
Louise and Bill, Oma and Opa, Mom and Dad … they filled our lives with so much love and countless memories.
Please visit the Memories page to read or share a story.