Lieselotte F. Vance

January 18, 1934- December 4, 2021

Lilo passed away suddenly after living a long, fulfilling life as the matriarch of her large family. In addition to being the never-ending caregiver to her family, she was a loyal and dear friend to all that were fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in her death by her loving husband John, her brother Kurt Geis, and her sons, Steven, William and James.

In her mortal absence, she bestows her strength and kindness to her surviving children Gary, Wayne (Kathy), Richard, and Audrey Brown. To her Grandchildren, Lilo relinquishes her gift of wisdom and imagination to Steve (Shannen), Ian (Alisa), Natalie Valdivia, Stuart (Patricia) David Cabral, Craig (Ronnie), Wayne Jr. (and his big sisters, Mary, Sarah, & Gina). To Lilo’s Great-Grandchildren, she leaves behind her lessons of virtue and laughter to Todd, Chance & Charlie Cruger, William, Rowan, James, Fiona, Kurt, Chandler, and Louis.

Lilo grew up in Pirmasens, Germany. This is where she met her soul mate, an American Soldier in the US Army. Together they forged a life and family together. The hard-working duo not only raised 7 children but became entrepreneurs that owned and operated 3 restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula (most notably The Edelweiss in Carmel by the Sea). You may also remember Lilo as the beautiful, blue- eyed cosmetics buyer at Holman’s.

Once officially retired, Lilo and her husband John kept themselves busy with their love of horticulture and providing home cooked meals for friends and family. Most memorably, the yearly Oktoberfest. It was also known, if you didn’t have a place to go on holidays, you were always welcomed at the Vance residence.

Lilo also had a passion for words and was always excited to meet with her writing group. Lilo is a published poet in both German and English languages and authored a book of children’s stories entitled ‘Once Upon a Time and Other Stories’.

Lilo’s abundance of energy, whimsical imagination and dedication to her family and friends will be forever missed. Her lessons will never be forgotten. Her life and smile will always be a daily reminder for us to accept what we have, and to work harder for the things we want, and the people that we love.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Service for Lilo tomorrow, Saturday, January 15 at 11:00 AM at The Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove.