Elizabeth M. Klare

Elizabeth Klare was born in Munich, Germany, to Martin and Elisabeth (Eder) Deubzer.  Ellie was many things: a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a true friend. She carried her warmth and adventurous spirit wherever she went. Born and raised in Germany, Ellie’s story began with a chance meeting at a Mardi Gras party when she was just 15. There she met Frank, 17, the love of her life. It was love at first sight and their marriage lasted over 60 years. Ellie and Frank raised their daughter Barbara in Germany until a job opportunity brought the young family to the United States. Soon after, their second daughter, Daniela, was born. As a mother, Ellie was both caring and generous.  She valued manners too, known for her classic reminder to “get your elbows off the table.” Her husband’s career carried them all over the world, and Ellie embraced every move. She worked wherever life took them, teaching languages across countries and continents. Fluent in French, German, and English, Ellie used her gifts to connect with people no matter where they landed. From Washington, D.C., to Minnesota, and across the globe to Athens, Vancouver, Abu Dhabi, Moscow, and Tokyo. Each year, no matter where they were, she made sure the family returned to Germany for reunions with her loved ones.

Eventually, Ellie and Frank returned stateside, first to Philadelphia and then settling in Delanco. Ellie became an active and cherished member of the Newton’s Landing community, where she shared her creativity through photography. Her pictures regularly appeared in the monthly newsletter, and she enjoyed learning new computer programs to bring her ideas to life. She also wrote extensively, contributing articles and restaurant reviews to the Newtons Landing newsletter and to the local paper.  She particularly loved interviewing local residents and showcasing them in written articles.

Some of her fondest memories included traveling cross-country in a pop-up camper, showing her family the beauty of Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and even the bright lights of Las Vegas. Ellie had a gift for making a meal out of anything, and her green thumb was unmatched. She could be found outdoors first thing every morning, tending to her bountiful flowers and filling the birdbath.  Her garden was her pride and joy, always blooming under her care. Above all else, Ellie was “Nana.” She adored her grandchildren, filling their childhoods with ice cream sundaes, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Even as they grew, she kept in touch with weekly phone calls, always keeping that bond strong.

She is predeceased by her sister-in-law Gitta Finch. She is survived by her husband Frank, her children Barbara (Mark) and Daniela (Steve), her grandchildren Sophie, Charlotte, Daisy, Isaac (Kate), and Anna (Brad), great-grandchildren Mabel and Keeva, her sisters Irmgard (Sepp) and Elfriede, her sisters-in-law Sigrun and Birgit, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial gathering and services for Ellie will be held on Friday, September 26 from 10am-12pm where there will be a 12pm service at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside, New Jersey.