Elsbeth Henrietta Petzold

My mother was the highly-intelligent, no-nonsense product of difficult times. A child during the Great Depression, a young woman during WWII, she knew, as did most of her generation, that life wasn't about instant gratification, ease, the latest trend or always being happy. It was about working hard with long-term goals in mind, never taking the easy way out, not following the crowd, and treating others fairly in hopes that on balance, outcomes would be the best one could hope for. Mom's desire to ready her offspring for the realities of life, as she had experienced it, ran counter to my natural tendency to be laid back, non-competitive and unconcerned about anything. She never gave up on me, no matter how difficult the challenges, and turned me into a woman capable of making her own way in a changing world. For that, I am forever grateful. Fortunately, I had the chance to thank her in person many times over the years for her perseverance. Mom, I know you are in a better place now, and that your hard work is over. Thank you for being such a blessing in my life. Love, Your Eldest Daughter Susie

Dear Sara and family: I write to extend my sincere condolences on your Mom's passing. Dara: you were a devoted daughter and looked after your Mom in ways that I know enriched her life especially her later years. I know the pain you are experiencing, as I know you know, with the loss of my Dad and my Mom's decline. If I can help in any way, let me know. Your parents raised great kids and I know your Mom had to be tremendously proud of you and your siblings. My heart aches as I write this message but I know your Mom is in a better place. But I realize that is little solace to those who remain here within the good of her absence. She will always be with you--watch for her; she will be there. With heartfelt sympathies, Anne MacArthur

I have many fond memories of my Aunt Elsbeth. One of my earliest from my school years in Madison was that my mom and Aunt Elsbeth used to talk on the phone while Mom was making dinner almost every day. Lots of laughing on the phone. Mom called her "P" and she called Mom "Bird". They continued to speak often even after Mom moved away from Madison to the woods. One of my favorite memories of Aunt Elsbeth occurred not so long ago at a Dobbs family reunion in 2003. She got up and produced a long list of things she wanted rectified in our country...AND SOON! Hopefully she got to enjoy the Obama years...and had no memory of this past year at all. Chip

Hi Susan, so sorry to hear about your Mom, thinking of you and your sisters today. Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year. Barb Olson, Madison

Dear Sara and family. Please accept my sincerest condolences at this sad time. I hope the lovely memories you hold will put smiles in your hearts. shel (groves riordan) ohare