Alyse Laemmle

We celebrate the life of Alyse Laemmle, mother to Susan Laemmle (John Antignas) and Sharonah Laemmle; grandmother to Deborah (Warren) Blum, Rebecca Fletcher (Alan Kannof), Lela Getzler (Marc Horwitz), Avilah Getzler, and Yutan Getzler (Elizabeth Conrey); and great-grandmother to Rachel (Harry) Jackson, Esther Blum (z"l), Aravah Getzler, and Pninah Getzler. She was predeceased (11/18/94) by her husband of 57 years, Kurt Laemmle.

Alyse died at age 106 in her beloved Hermosa Beach home on a sunny afternoon (1/24/23). Born in Chicago (5/19/16) to Hungarian Jewish immigrants, Alyse graduated from Northwestern at 19. While "singing for her supper," she met Kurt Laemmle, a young German. They married in 1937 and – honeymooning in Europe – helped Alyse's in-laws escape the growing Nazi threat. Shortly thereafter, Alyse and Kurt moved to LA, where both of their daughters were born.

Kurt opened the first Laemmle Theatre in 1938 and, joined by his brother Max, built a thriving business. When television arrived, however, the theaters could not support two families. Alyse entered life insurance, which became not only a wildly successful career but also a calling. Alyse's legendary devotion to her clients frequently extended across multiple generations. She worked long past "retirement," and had her most profitable year at age 99.

Alyse always said she entered marriage unable to cook, even water. Her love for Kurt fueled such relentless study, however, that cooking became a source of great joy to Alyse and everyone in her orbit. Alyse's famous recipes, seldom less than a full page (typed), brim with personal warmth, love, and humor.

In the 1940s, Alyse spoke and fundraised for ORT and United Jewish Appeal, where she was national vice-chair. At 78, Alyse became bat mitzvah as a member of Congregation Ner Tamid in Rancho Palos Verdes. Singing in the temple's choir brought Alyse great joy and many close friends during the final decades of her life.

Known to all as "Grandma," Alyse was progressive and inclusive before it was fashionable. She was fiercely proud of her family, embracing innumerable pursuits and endeavors. Alyse's memory will forever be a blessing.