Ilse Mauritz

Ilse Edith Mauritz, 71, passed peacefully Oct. 5 at home in Wasilla with her family at her side.

Mauritz was born Nov. 7, 1935, in Konigsberg, Germany, and came to Alaska in 2005. Prior to coming to Alaska, she owned and operated Else’s Home Care for many years in Tucson, Arizona, where she lived for more than 30 years and retired in 2000.

Mauritz was an accomplished painter who enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends. She touched the lives of so many; gave of herself and of her wisdom. She will be remembered by those who loved and cared for her as a free spirit, a teacher of life, a historian of experience and the master of twinkling eyes and a loving smile.

Mauritz is survived by her daughter Margot (Mike) Harless of Wasilla; brothers and sister-in-law Manfred, Klaus and Toni Mauritz of Stadtlohn, Germany; grandchildren, Nicholas and Samantha Savage of Wasilla. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, their children and cousins throughout Germany. Maurtiz was fortunate to have friends of many years in Tucson who will miss her as well.

Her ashes will be interred in Stadtlohn, Germany.

Valley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer assisted the family.