We share this memory of Emilie Maria, wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother. Left on Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday, we are heartbroken to have lost our beloved matriarch, advice giver, and compass for life.Emilie has always loved our Lord and her family here. In our sorrow we realize, it’s true! She is looking at life from both sides now! Happy to be in the arms of Heavenly family members and rejoicing in the gathering of long held friends and family here and overseas!
Mom was born in Sulzberg, a village in the foothills of the Alps in Bavaria. First love and marriage was to an Austrian, Andre Fercher. But so sad, Emilie’s first husband died in a WWII bombing raid. As the healing wind blew through Germany, this farm gal and bookkeeper resumed going to dances and met Karl, our dad.
But Germany was not healing fast enough so the newlyweds emigrated to Detroit to join Karl’s family. Suddenly, as it may happen, they welcomed a daughter, then a son, and another daughter! Mom’s cooking skills were perfect, and she practiced English writing school notes!
Life was routine and a shake-up was bound to happen.... Karl came home from Ford with plans to move to Buenos Aires, Argentina! It was 1962 and Emilie embraced the life in an American community. Complete with winning at the garden club and a trophy at bowling.
Seven years in Buenos Aires led to 3 years back in St. Clair Shores and mom was happy to settle in a house on lovely Lake St. Clair! But South America was still growing, and Karl was needed in Sao Paulo, Brazil. So now to Brazil, a wonderful community, and unique adventures for 3 years…. Then a new move for 2 more years in Valencia, Spain. This was closer to Germany! Finally!! While her Spanish was greatly improving, she felt all she was doing was packing and unpacking, But Emilie’s classic decorating always made her homes so welcoming and beautiful.
In 1977, Mom and Dad came to Detroit for good. The golden years could finally start with winters in Naples, Fl visiting kids and now four grandkids in Atlanta. The German word for grandmother is Oma but her choice was to be called Omi which suited her perfectly! More trips immersed her in the joys of the Rhineland, and especially wonderful Sulzberg. These dovetailed with trips to Disney World and even a cruise! Emilie savored many kudos from the circle of people around for her cooking and hospitality. She was born with the kindness of an echte Sulzberger! Thankful for blessings of health and good days, mom overcame her difficult stroke at age 85 with strength, smiles and good attitudes. We could all learn from her!
How can the days speed up as the years accumulate? We recognize the gracious help from neighbors and caregivers who acted as our mom’s angels. Our Isabel, the incomparable, has been with mom for the past 8 years in friendship and protection. Blessings abounded easily.
Emilie has also been so blessed to have her family’s dedication. First and foremost, Marita, Joe, Alise and Vincent living close by. Hans Karl and family, Kaylee and Ken, always available to help even long term. We are all blessed to have shared in the love of family that Emilie exemplified her whole life. Thanks be to God forever!
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We remember the Loving Husband Karl, Dad, Opa, deceased 2002. She is survived by Children: Kaylee (Ken), Hans Karl (Betty), Marita (Joe) Grands: Kara, Eric, Steven, Laura, Alise, Vincent, Alisha, Ashley Great-grands: Emilia, Audrey.
A visitation for Emilie will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. A scripture service will occur Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 7:00 PM, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. An instate will occur Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 15020 Hampton St, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 15020 Hampton St, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230.
DONATIONS
Father Solanus Casey Center1780 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit, Michigan 48207
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