Elisabeth Paula Bussinah

Elisabeth Paula Heller Bussinah (Liesel)

July 7, 1933– June 18, 2021

COLUMBIA Liesel was born on July 7, 1933, in Troisdorf, West Germany, the oldest daughter of Wilhelm Heller and Paula Maria Amalie Kabza Heller.

She never spoke about her life in Germany during the war (WWII), but there was a bright spot just after that time that changed the course of her life – meeting her future husband, John Bussinah.

They met, in Trieste, Italy, where Liesel was staying with her Aunt Otti and husband, Nestor, who was stationed there. She was in the dining hall one day when Liesel met the American soldier, John. Despite the fact that neither spoke the other’s language, they fell in love and married shortly thereafter in Livorno Italy, living in Linz, Austria briefly before coming to the U.S.

Liesel accompanied John as his wife when he returned stateside and they lived with his foster parents in New York for a short time. Desiring to fit in more easily, she worked extremely hard to learn spoken and written English, so much so that she barely had an accent.

As a military wife, Liesel created a welcoming home many times over as her family grew in number. They were stationed in Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, South Carolina (where they bought their first house), Germany, and Texas, finally retiring to establish a permanent home back in Columbia S.C., where she became an American citizen there in 1961.

After settling in Columbia, they were able to realize their dream for what the family calls THE LAKE- a modest waterfront home at Lake Wateree, built entirely by the family. Here they spent almost every weekend and many holidays for over 50 years. With Liesel’s passion for growing things and her skill as a seamstress- plus John’s building abilities (always supervised and assisted by Liesel), their place at the lake took shape.

With extensive training as a seamstress in Germany, Liesel outfitted the family throughout her life. From designing wedding gowns and other formal attire for the family, to any type of upholstery or drapery project, there was nothing that was beyond her skills to create, mend, or alter.

Liesel’s world centered around home and family. First, she devoted herself wholly to her husband and kids to see her children launched successfully into the world. Later she turned her huge capacity for nurturing others to her grandchildren, whom she collectively called “The Babies”, no matter how old they were.

She is survived by two sisters, five children, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

There will be a family graveside service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3700 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.