(Images are property of the author)
Aunt Betty, or Liesel, was the light-hearted relative in the family. I liked to refer to her as the gorgeous imp. The other aunts had an expression for her, that roughly translated into “When there’s a Liesel in the house, mischief is bound to occur”.
She had beauty and grace, but also insight and caring for all those around her. Like many of my family members, she survived the atrocities of World War II that were cast upon German heritage citizens living in other countries, leaving them homeless and subject to retribution.
She was also eternally curious, always wanting to learn and discover. It’s a trait we shared. Here she’s learning all about electric cars before going for a ride in one.
She and her husband immigrated to a successful new life in America. After retirement, and seeing the courageous way my Aunt Anna had begun documenting her early life, she and her husband began sharing as well. I am forever grateful to them for that. It was especially hard, but provided some background for understanding what made my parents and relatives who they were, and thus who I am.
Modest, smart, resourceful and caring, she was a gem to be around.