Gisela Caro Langoussis passed away on June 14 on her terms, in her home where she lived for the last fifty years. She daily fed her multitude of house and barn cats, and the abundant bird and wildlife until just three weeks before her passing. Under brief in-home hospice, she was able to say her goodbyes. All family, that were able, came to visit during that time. She passed peacefully with her ancient kitty Mooshie sleeping at her side.
Born in Stettin, Germany on Aug 18 of 1922, to Heinrich and Johanna (Schieck) Caro, Gisela lived a full life that spanned 95 years. Married to Denis Langoussis in 1942, their first child Andrew born a year later, they managed to survive the WWII years. They were spared even though they each had a Jewish parent, and lived through the eventual bombardment of Nazi Germany.
The three came to Illinois in the U.S. in 1949, living in Chicago for 7 years where children Alex and Nina were born, Loves Park for 12 years where they had their fourth, Josie, and the remainder of their lives on a hobby farm in Shirland township.
Gisela was strong-willed, had a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, and a love for all that life had to offer - all creatures great and small, the beauty of nature, art, theater, traveling, and taking in other cultures.
Early adult years were consumed with the demands of raising her family. She had a talent for language, learning eight during her school years, and worked as an interpreter as a young woman until when, during WWII, survival of baby Andy became paramount. It was a relief to land in the U.S., safe and away from the devastation in Europe. As a girl, Gisela's mother would take her and her brother Johnny hiking through the mountains in Europe. As a mother, Gisela, with husband Denis, took their children on long driving vacations to visit the mountains and deserts of their new country.
Gradually as the kids grew, it allowed her time for varied pursuits. She loved to read, write, paint, and ride horses. The hobby farm at one time abounded with horses, sheep, chickens, goats, dogs, cats, and assorted small pets. She embraced the animal husbandry and had fun taking fleeces from her sheep, dying them with natural dyes, spinning them into yarn, and knitting them into items for the family. Knitting was a hobby she took up as a girl and enjoyed through life until her arthritic fingers would no longer allow it. Once the physical care of so many animals became too much, Gisela still continued to advocate for their welfare through humane organizations and as an armchair activist, conquering the challenge of the computer age.
Through the years, Gisela's greatest love was family. She lived for gatherings when she could cook and bake for the masses. Her favorite was recreating the grand Christmases of her childhood - platters of cookies, a large tree lit with live candles, carols around the tree, the candle snuffing ceremony followed by the chaos and joy of little ones tearing into gifts under the tree.
Three generations of immediate family gathered again at her home on July 14th to share memories and honor Gisela's life.
Gisela was preceded in death by husband Denis Langoussis, brother Johnny Caro, and half brother Otto. She is survived by - her four children Andrew Langoussis of Rockford, IL. Alexander Langoussis (Nelda) of Acworth, GA. Jeannine Langoussis of Rockton, IL. Josie Mitchell (Doug) of Prior Lake, MN - daughter-in-law Marcia Blassage of Rockford, IL - grandchildren Matt, Cara (Ansel), Rory, Kira (Sean), Andra (Mike) - great grandchildren Aubie, Cody, Eva, Riley, Reid, Ellery - nephews Denis Caro and Robert Caro
We love you and you will be greatly missed.
❤️ 😻 The end of an era. 😻 ❤️
Donations in her memory can be made to:
Noah's Ark
http://www.noahsarkanimals.org
The Natural Land Institute
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