With her family by her side, Elfriede Cortizo passed away on April 13, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of unwavering loyalty, boundless love, resilience, and enduring strength that will forever cast a guiding light upon our lives, filling our hearts with cherished memories and eternal gratitude. As we grapple with the profound loss, we find solace in the memories of her extraordinary journey and the profound impact she had on each of us.
Elfriede Cortizo-Ecker was born on January 9, 1939, in Mengkofen, Germany. She entered a world torn by the chaos of World War II, yet despite the turmoil surrounding her, she exuded a steadfast strength and a strong will from her earliest days. Raised by her loving parents, Maria and Benno Ecker, alongside her five cherished siblings, Georg, Benno, Josef, Maria, and Therese, Elfriede learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, and compassion that would define her essence. At the tender age of 14, Elfriede embarked on a courageous path into the workforce, driven by an unwavering determination to help support her family through challenging times. Graduating from the Ursulinen Trade School and the Bavarian Industrial School in Germany, she demonstrated unparalleled determination to overcome obstacles.
At the age of 18, Elfriede's life took a momentous turn when she crossed paths with the love of her life, Oscar L. Cortizo, who served as a military police officer for the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. Their meeting sparked a journey of love and adventure that led Elfriede to the United States, far from her homeland and family. Despite finding herself alone in a foreign country and integrating into a Spanish-speaking family without command of their language, Elfriede courageously embraced the challenge with tenacity, swiftly mastering not only Spanish but English as well. For 64 years, she and Oscar shared a love that overcame numerous hurdles and will forever leave us with a love story that knew no bounds.
In her professional endeavors, Elfriede's dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment earned her the respect of her colleagues and administrators at Burry Biscuit/Interbake Foods. Soon after being hired, she rose to the esteemed position of premier supervisor, pouring her heart and soul into her work. Elfriede ensured that every globally enjoyed Girl Scout cookie was crafted and produced to perfection. Her commitment did not go unnoticed, as she was honored as Women of the Year by "Tribute to Women and Industry," a true testament to her exceptional leadership skills and character. Yet, beyond her professional accomplishments, Elfriede was known and cherished for her warm hospitality and culinary skills. Her kitchen was a place of culinary masterpieces infused with flavors beyond words that she truly enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Above all things, her selflessness knew no bounds, as she dedicated herself wholeheartedly and sacrificed much to ensure the well-being of her three children, Oscar, Alex, and Ovies. For her children, she was the wind beneath their wings, lifting them up and guiding them with her constant love and support.
Elfriede Cortizo's departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy of loyalty, love, hard work, perseverance, and strength will continue to illuminate our lives, inspiring us to live with grace and compassion. May she find eternal peace, knowing that she was deeply loved and will forever remain in our hearts, never to be forgotten. Elfriede Cortizo is survived by her sons, Oscar Luis Cortizo and Alex Cortizo. Daughter Ovies Maria Cortizo-Guadalupe, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Soledad Cortizo-Brand, and son-in-law Cesar Ulpiano Guadalupe. Grandchildren Erika Janine Cortizo-McMenamin, Kristian Alexander Cortizo, Oscar Luis Cortizo, Adrien Alexis Cortizo, Sebastian Luis Guadalupe, and Amanda Nicole Guadalupe. Great grandchildren, Alexander Kai Cortizo, Valentina Firenze Cortizo and Caden John McMenamin. Sister, Therese Sedlmaier.
A mass to honor the life of Elfriede Cortizo will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Saint Joseph the Carpenter Church in Roselle, NJ.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6