Elizabeth Jarz

Elizabeth Jarz was my wonderful Aunt Bette. Even though I haven’t spent much time with her since my childhood, I will always remember the warmth and kindness that emanated from her. She laughed easily and was an angel in my life, and I am sure in the lives of many others. Some of the most wonderful times of my childhood were trips Grandma and I made on an old train to Chicago and then Elmhurst, where we stayed with her and Uncle Emil, Lynn and Ted [Jane was not yet with us]. She encouraged...

Beautiful mind,
Glowing heart,
This is how we remember you from the start.

We still do silly stuff like when we were young,
We still forget to hold our tongues.

Jake was three and "playing" chess,
You were the queen and I was the princess.

Do you remember that small metal chair we called my throne?
You always had something new to our ears, new to be shown.

I was stubborn and wanted it my way,
...

What can I say about my Grandma? I love her. She was my idol in many ways. She was generous, kind, happy, peaceful, had a wonderful sense of humor. She was adventurous, independent, wise, energetic. I aspire to be more like her. I miss her. I wish I could have spent more time with her, had more conversations with her. I have so many fond memories of places she took us, and things we did. I find it impossible to describe how my experiences with her touched and molded my life. I’m certain that...

Grandma and I talked a lot about anything remotely interesting to both of us. Once, after Dorothy passed away, while we were chatting and helping to clean out her sister’s apartment, Grandma commented on how lovely one of the glass figurines was that Dorothy had kept on a shelf near the kitchen. “What do you think?” She asked me, “Isn’t it beautiful?” To tell the truth, I really didn’t think much of it. I was guiltily preoccupied by the books in Dorothy’s collection, and I couldn’t be...

I am so sorry for your loss. She truly was a wonderful person who gave her family many special memories of her.

This is a letter I wrote to Grandma, Summer 2004. Thank you to Mrs. Stowe for reading this to her as much as Grandma wanted to hear it during the week of December 6, 2004. Dear Grandma, Bob and I were sitting in the car today talking about how much fun Kyle and Kait have when their Grandma comes to play. She does so many fun things with them and they love and appreciate all of it. Even if things don't always go smoothly. Bob told me how he didn't have much contact with his Grandma and I...

To Grandma’s house we go… For years, Grandma’s house has been a backdrop for many fond memories. Each holiday, we spent at least a portion of the day there enjoying the company. Over the years, Grandma’s house continued to be the central gathering point for her extended family, and a trip to Grandma’s meant a chance to catch up with aunts, uncles and cousins while exchanging stories and reveling in the holiday spirit. As a toddler, I can still remember Grandma stepping in to protect me when I...

Mom was my best friend and my hero. That I could live my life with as much love and enthusiasm as Mom; that I would enjoy the riches of a wonderful family and warm friendships like Mom. She was blessed in these gifts. She taught well how to embrace and enjoy them, and still, I am learning. Her graceful encouragement is her legacy to me.

I extend my deepest sympathy to Bette's family. I have many warm memories of her gentle and gracious hospitality when my parents brought us to visit with her. We were related through Emil's mom, Jenny. Your families are in my prayers.