Born June 13, 1928 in Bochem, Germany and passed away at age 91 on October 15, 2019.
A personality can change so much as their health deteriorates so this final tribute is to the person that our beloved Mum was for most of her life rather than her last few infirm years.
It is not difficult to write about our mother who we admire and know so well. The difficulty comes in narrowing it down to a few pages.
Simply listing the many qualities that we valued in her doesn’t actually show what a gracious lady, excellent chef, devoted friend, caring mother, talented /versatile artist, energetic and ever upbeat person that she once was. But those that know her know this is all true.
It was recommended that we start her obituary with what she really loved. Well, she sure loved to party. Ever willing to host an elegant dinner or a fancy happy hour with family and friends. Ute’s annual Christmas Cookie Party was looked forward to by all the lucky invitees every year because it was so elegant, so yummy, so fun yet with total Gemuetlichkeit. (Which means it was done with cozy, loving, welcoming and warm feelings).
And who can forget her distinct oyster face whenever she would joyfully get a dozen of them?
But what we truly loved about Omi is that she could laugh at herself when we would share (sometimes embarrassing) funny stories about her at gatherings. And there are quite a few because that happens to colorful people like our mum. From losing her top at the Kauai Surf beach to getting locked out of the house in just her underwear, she would be a good sport about the countless re-tellings. Close your eyes and let your mind recall her oh so familiar impish cackle laughter and her distinct German accent as she would add her two cents.
Omi was a good sport who was almost always in a good mood. It was rare to call her and not get a chipper voice on the other end of the line. And you could call her anytime be it to talk for hours or just to get the recipe for her yummy Noodle Auflauf.
Dressed tastefully, perfect nails, never a hair out of place, the lady who wears an apron when she cooks, yet willing to do chores like the endless folding of laundry. And always ready to try something new. Somewhere there is a video of her dancing to Elvis music on a train ride in Germany. She was like that, gladly joining right into her surroundings and making it fun.
And, of course, her art. We jointly conclude that hers is right up there with famous museum art pieces. But Ute is still our favorite versatile artist. Monet art doesn’t hold a candle to our mum’s lily pond. In fact, Monet is no Ute Kersting. Omi’s many beautiful masterpieces will be her lasting legacy.
Although this only captures a snippet of who Omi/Mum/ Ute was, all of the people that she touched do understand what an honor it is to have been included in her life. We thank her for her excellent example of attitude, caring and devotion. The glue that held our family together, the mother hen that clearly lets us know when we are out of line and an ever gracious lady and loving mother that we are proud to call our own.
Ute is survived by her children; Gabriele, Peter, Edward and Heidi.
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