LISEK, Katherine

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, February 25, 2008 In a war-torn region of Europe, Katherine was born the eldest of six children Jan. 21, 1916 in Budisava, Yugoslavia to ethnic German parents, Katharina and Jakob Mohr. With courage, instincts and the ability to speak five languages she survived among border conflicts, family separation and attacks on the ethnic German people. Her tumultuous escape path started in October 1944 and led her through Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Austria and to England in1948. On a streetcar in Leeds, England, Katherine met Kazimirz "Joseph" Sukowski, her future husband. In 1953, with her daughter Erna, they immigrated to Montreal, Canada where Katherine worked as a designer in the garment industry. Her daughter married Robert DuCross in 1959 and immigrated to Los Angeles, Calif., followed by Katherine and her husband a year later. They successfully operated their own small businesses and retired to Willits, Calif. With her sewing talents, she volunteered her time and handcrafted items to benefit the community. She enjoyed her involvement with the senior center and went on bus trips with her friends. She had many fond memories of Willits. After her husband's death in 1980, at the age of 65, Katherine spent her senior years learning to drive, taking painting classes and traveling. An avid gardener, she will be remembered for her wonderful flowers. Although Katherine traveled the world, home was with her daughter, grandchildren and great-granddaughter in Lake Havasu City where she enjoyed a healthy lifestyle in the Arizona sunshine. On Feb. 11, 2008, Katherine passed away at home in Lake Havasu City, with her family by her side. She will be missed by her daughter, Erna DuCross; grandson, Mitchell DuCross; granddaughters, Saundra DuCross and Sharlene Comeau; and great grandchildren, Paul DuCross and Bronwyn Comeau. In Germany she is survived by cousins, Elizabeth Augenstein, Sophie Kloss, Greta Kraft, as well as many adoring nephews and nieces. The family would like to express their utmost appreciation to Hospice of Havasu, who was of tremendous help with the care of Katherine. In lieu of flowers, donations in Katherine's name may be made to: Hospice of Havasu, po Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.