To my most beautiful, most distinguished, most dignified most beloved mother-in-law Margaretha Vesely. Thank you for your exemplary meaningful life. Truly I learned a lot from you.

One: how to be always cheerful, grateful and happy despite all circumstances. Every morning you put on a beautiful dress, a tasteful necklace, and your smile was on as part of your getting dressed I never saw you upset, irritated or angry.

Two: You were always generous with everyone. You invited all family members to join you at your favorite Viennese restaurant Oberlaa, as often as they wanted, and as their schedules permitted. You often extended this invitation to extended family and friends. You made sure everyone was ordering sweets for deserts, topped with “schlagobers,” Austrian whipped cream, and delicious coffee you can find only there.

You always gave a very large tip to the servers. You did it with love and care. So, every time you entered there, you were received like a VIP. You and OPA always bought newspapers from the refugees giving tips as well, even if you had already the paper at home.

Three: You made it through the war. Being married at that time with a German officer, your family too suffered during this time. There was not enough to eat, so you had to go to the country side to work in the fields in order to feed your children.

Four: There were other shockwaves during your lifetime, but you went through it all gracefully and courageously, always keeping your smile, your inner beauty.

How hard it has been for you when your beloved son departed for America. He was still very young, and you could not see him for seven years. For a mother it was heartbreaking. I understand you. Then your son Dietrich came back with a French wife and you could not make sense of it all. In the past French and German and Austrian nations were enemies.

Five: At the end somehow, we could all love each other, overcoming any distance or barrier. Today I declare you as the best mother-in-law and your son Dietrich was the best husband I could ever have.

We all love you Oma, and happy journey into your next life.

Your daughter-in-law, Elisabeth