Memorial Trees
L
Lydia Bowie and Family
October 17, 2022
S
Sandra brod
October 06, 2022
E
Elsa Trexler
September 27, 2022
Memorial trees planted for:
Liisa Sario Van Duyts
<p>Liisa Van Duyts died September 11, 2022 at age 74 in Berkeley, California.</p><p><br></p><p>She was born in Finland, moved to the United States at age 5, and grew up in Santa Monica, California. In her midteens she moved to London, where her daughter Kim was born, and the years spent there made her the Anglophile she remained for the rest of her life.</p><p><br></p><p>When she returned to America, her eclectic career path reflected her wide range of interests, adventurous spirit and vast curiosity. She was the first female train tester for BART at its inception; managed a crafts boutique where she restored antique quilts; worked several years as a corporate lawyer; then, as a middle school teacher which allowed her to share her passion for history.</p><p><br></p><p>Her wit and love of language was ever present in fervent intellectual conversations with friends and strangers alike, and underlined by her attendance at three National Crossword Puzzle Tournaments.</p><p><br></p><p>She stayed connected to her Finnish family, and eagerly looked forward to the many annual trips she, and her husband Alyosha, made there. They embraced the life and traditions at Revonristi, the 110 year old lakeside chalet where four generations of cousins gathered joyously, to eat crayfish from the lake, vegetables from the garden, and berries from the forest.</p><p><br></p><p>Like her Finnish family, she felt a special connection to the natural world. Her beloved, beautiful garden, and long hikes across England and Bavaria nourished her. She loved animals dearly, especially rescue dogs, and couldn’t walk down the street without stopping and talking to dogs that crossed her path.</p><p><br></p><p>She will be forever remembered for her extensive network of close friendships around the world which she nurtured with beautifully handwritten letters and postcards. A snail mail letter from Liisa was always eagerly awaited. A consummate hostess and superb cook, with her husband she created a home in Berkeley that made guests welcome and cared for.</p><p><br></p><p>Her five grandchildren were the light and loves of her life. </p><p><br></p><p>Liisa had a most generous spirit which shone through in everything she did in life.</p><p><br></p><p>She is survived by her spouse, Dr. Alyosha Zim; her daughter Kim Van Duyts and spouse Dino Ortenzi; her step-children Gabriela Zim Kremer and spouse David Kremer; Jake Zim and spouse Caterina Mercante Zim; and her beloved grandchildren Nathan Ortenzi Van Duyts, Isabelle and Theo Kremer, and Massimo and Lorenzo Zim.</p><p><br></p><p>A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of the United States.</p>October 1, 1947 - September 11, 202210/01/194709/11/2022
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