It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our mami, Ingeborg Weishaupt Anderson. Inge passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 8, 2024 at the age of 78 in her cherished home. Up until the end, Inge lived life her way - happy, brave, and fiercely independent.
As memories of our mami flood our senses - the smell of her lotion, the early morning coffee smell as she began her day, the jingle of her bracelets as she walked through the house, the Sunday German music playing loudly as we cleaned - we realize it will be difficult to summarize our mami’s life in such a short manner. We encourage all who know her to share any memories you have of our mami. Her life experiences included so many aspects that provided her pure joy - some of those that stand out the most are Family, Friends, Strength, Cooking, and Adventures.
Inge was born in a small quaint German village on February 24, 1946 to Irene Müller and Alfred Weishaupt. There she grew up with her younger brother, Alfred Weishaupt Jr, who was her lifelong companion in mischief and adventure. Inge loved her family deeply from the beginning of her life to the end of her life’s journey. She enjoyed reminiscing about fun adventures with her brother and sharing stories of her mother and father. Inge's heart was firmly rooted in family and not a day would go by that she did not think of each member. She prided herself on remembering birthdays and special dates, and she loved talking to the “Germans” whenever she could. Inge married and had two daughters, Fatima and Yasmin, who she loved with all her heart. She felt blessed to be the Oma of three boys whom she cherished with her full being. Inge had an open door policy for all animals through her years, as she saved many dogs and cats from a life without love.
Inge’s friendships were as enduring as they were deep. Spanning over four decades, she had many close friends who enriched her life. She loved each deeply and enjoyed their time together, whether it had been for an adventure or just a talk on the phone. Our mami invested time and her full heart into each friendship.
Strength was a defining trait of Inge's character. Those who knew our mami well know that she endured many obstacles in life, and she faced them with unwavering determination. One of her most courageous, bravest, heroic and proudest moments was rescuing her daughters from their kidnapping by their father to the Middle East. She found a way to protect them from future kidnappings, but at a cost to her own career. Despite these personal sacrifices, Inge rebuilt her life with tenacity, supporting her daughters single-handedly. In February 2022, our wonderful mami was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She faced it head on with chemo, radiation, and brain surgery. Her battle with cancer showcased her remarkable fortitude and strength as well as never ending humor, earning her the title of a 'walking miracle' from her doctors. Her final two weeks of life were spent in Germany enjoying time with friends and family. This trip gave her so much joy, her smile was never ending, and her words of happiness filled our hearts.
Our mami’s passion for cooking was legendary. Weekends were spent pouring over cookbooks, seeking out new culinary challenges. Her talent for recreating and enhancing restaurant dishes was unmatched and much enjoyed by family and friends. Our home was a haven of laughter and love, centered around her exquisite meals.
Adventure coursed through Inge’s veins. From the bustling streets of Kabul to the serene trails of Colorado, her spirit knew no bounds. She reveled in the spontaneity of life, embracing each day with the possibility of a new journey. Her love for nature was as vast as the landscapes she explored, and her legacy is as enduring as the mountains she adored. Indeed, the Colorado mountains are where she found her love for hiking and nature, as she enjoyed camping and driving among them, as well as spelunking every now and again.
To those who had the privilege of knowing Inge, please hold dear the knowledge that you were cherished. The care and companionship you provided during her valiant fight with cancer brought her immense joy. Her life was a tapestry woven with the threads of family, friends, courage, and laughter.
As we mourn Inge's departure, we also celebrate the indomitable spirit she has imparted to us. Her legacy is one of courage, strength, and an unwavering zest for life. We honor her memory by embodying the very essence of her being—her resilience, her bravery, and her boundless capacity for love.
And, Mami, we are blessed that cancer is no longer a worry in your mind and body as you navigate your eternal chapter of life in Heaven. We will try to rest easy knowing that you are with your mother, father, dear friends, and pets that have gone home before you. Until we meet again, we will forever love you, miss you, and think of you.
A celebration of life to commemorate Inge's remarkable life will be held sometime in the summer of 2024 at which time we can gather to share stories, laugh, cry, and remember a remarkable woman who touched so many lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center (https://gifts.mdanderson.org/Default.aspx?tsid=26369&intcmpid=mdaccorg_donate), a cause close to Inge's heart.
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