Edda Emilie Fuchs

Edda Emilie Margarete Fuchs, aged 82, passed away suddenly at home in Richmond, Texas, on September 6, 2023, due to complications arising from esophageal cancer. She was the heart of our family, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a source of inspiration to all who knew her.

Edda was born as the middle child to Alfred Lehmann and Hildegard Höse on June 29, 1941, in Berlin, Germany. During her early years, Edda, along with her older brother Klaus and her younger sister Doris, bravely endured the hardships of World War II, a period that included the loss of their father.

At a train station just outside of Berlin, Edda, a bright-eyed and beautiful 17-year-old woman, met her soulmate, Jim, while waiting for the bus to take them to a summer camp on August 3, 1958. They quickly became inseparable. Edda pursued her education at a business school in Berlin and went on to work as a medical secretary. Four years after they fell in love, on her 21st birthday, June 29, 1962, they celebrated their union in marriage.

Edda possessed a profound passion for helping others, and despite facing challenges during her early years, she maintained an unwaveringly optimistic outlook on life. Her heart was deeply invested in the Arts, and she had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, exploring diverse cultures and indulging her love for travel. In January of 1964, Edda boarded a ship with the love of her life, whom she affectionately called "Achus," to embark on their journey to America where they would start a family and build a life together.

Edda and Jim's journey began in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where Edda mastered English, learned how to play golf, and forged lifelong close friendships. In 1967, they moved to Michigan City, Indiana, for her husband’s new engineering job and within a year, Edda welcomed her cherished daughter, Jules. In 1970, she was blessed once again with the arrival of her youngest daughter, Michelle. Edda was an extraordinary mother who always put her family first. Her daughters were everything to her; her love for them was boundless, and they were the center of her world.

She was a devoted and supportive wife who willingly relocated multiple times across different states, including California and Illinois, to support her husband's career and enrich their lives. Each relocation marked a fresh adventure, offering opportunities to explore new parks, visit museums, and cultivate new friendships. Edda's outgoing, positive, and playful nature made it easy for her to connect with others. Her favorite retreat was the beach, where she found solace and created precious memories with her family. Whether building sandcastles, swimming in the ocean, or collecting seashells along the water's edge for sand castings, Edda treasured these moments of togetherness.

She started a thriving realtor career after earning her real estate license in St. Louis, Missouri. Her notable achievements included winning the esteemed Realtor of the Year award for three consecutive years while working at Baird & Warner in Chicago. This marked a significant recognition of her excellence in the field.

In 1985, Edda and her family made Texas their permanent home, where she would reside for the rest of her life. During her time in Texas, her husband's job assignments took them abroad for durations of six months to a year, leading them to Milan, Italy, Moscow, Russia, and Mexico City and Villahermosa, Mexico.

Edda's insatiable curiosity and deep appreciation for diverse cultures drove her to immerse herself fully in each experience. She eagerly embraced these different places' customs, art forms, and languages. While in Mexico, she dedicated herself to learning Spanish, enabling her to navigate local markets for groceries confidently. In Moscow, she explored historical sites, delving into the city's rich heritage. Throughout her adventures, she accompanied her husband on countless excursions, from scenic drives around Lake Como in Italy to exploring the unique landscapes and vibrant cultures of the places they called home for a time.

As the years passed, Edda documented her life experiences in war-torn Berlin, creating a memoir that stands as a testament to her remarkable journey. Her family is currently in the final stages of preparing the memoir for publication and adapting it into a screenplay. This heartfelt endeavor serves as a touching tribute to the lasting impact of her life and legacy.

During her time in Richmond, Texas, Edda cultivated an active social life and cherished her circle of supportive friends. She enthusiastically participated in a women's book club and was a dedicated Ft. Bend Art League member. Edda's artistic talents, displayed through her Chigiri-e artwork, a traditional Japanese art form, and her collage creations, earned her widespread recognition and numerous local and regional awards. Notably, she won first place at the prestigious Lone Star Art Guild Show in Houston for her travel collage triptych titled "The Dream of Wanderlust." Edda's artwork continues to inspire and captivate, ensuring that her creative spirit lives on, touching the hearts of those who have the privilege of experiencing her masterpieces.

Edda is survived by her loving husband, Joachim Fuchs; her daughters, Julie Fuchs and Michelle Fitzgerald; her beloved grandchildren, James Fitzgerald and Jessica Fitzgerald; and her adored great-granddaughter, Victoria Cepeda.

She profoundly touched numerous lives, spreading her love to her family and friends. Edda’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Her legacy is etched into the very fabric of our lives, a testament to the love and kindness she shared. In the comforting embrace of God, may she find eternal peace.

“Life is good. I will bake cookies now–Yum!” ~Edda Fuchs

A celebration of life for Edda will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 2:00 PM at The Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions towards funeral costs are appreciated and can be dropped off in care of the Fuchs family at The Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek Funeral Home prior to and during the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.settegastkopf.com for the Fuchs family.