Christa Elsbeth Schleppegrell

Christa Elizabeth Schleppegrell (Aulich), 86, left our earthly company July 1, 2016. Born in Dresden, Germany on July 31, 1929, she made a perilous escape to the West, later to marry Hans Schleppegrell in 1956 and emigrate to the U.S. in 1957 as a refugee. She was naturalized in 1963.

Many good friendships marked Christa's 34 years in Tucson, but her character could best be defined by, of all things, slippers; warm and comfy, she knitted and gifted hundreds of pairs over the decades, sized infant to basketball player. A "Super-Christa" would have seen each person on the planet get a pair, along with a home-cooked meal (Boy, could she cook!) She hated to see want; That was Christa. A home fall and COPD finally silenced the clicking of her knitting needles.

Christa was preceded in death by her husband, Hans, in 1985, at the age of 71 and sadly and suddenly by daughter-in-law, Penny Sue Johnson Schleppegrell (Bernard) in 2014 at the age of 55.

She is survived by her two sons, Bernard and Eric and by daughter-in-law, Jenny Schleppegrell (Eric), all of Tucson. She is also survived by many relatives in Germany.

The family thanks all who kept Christa in their prayers and thoughts. One person, however, deserves special mention: Patsy Williams. A dear friend of Christa's who also happens to be a home care-giver, she connected with Christa as well as help care for her; Christa beamed when she heard "Patsy's coming!". Thank you Patsy.

The family must now, as do all who grieve, attempt to find that sense of belonging and security provided by their loved one just by being.

Arrangements under the direction of Desert Rose Heather Cremation & Burial, Tucson, AZ.