Gisela Marta Maria Beverely, 91 years young and feisty as ever, completed her earthly journey May 31, 2023.
Gisela was born on April 29, 1932 in Mufindi, South Africa to the late Franz and Gertrude (Haase) Fritz. She was one of two children, leaving behind her brother Gerhard.
Her parents originally from Germany moved to South Africa to follow his family and make a better life in the coffee plantation business. After realizing that was not going to come to fruition, they moved back to Germany when Gisela was about 8. Stories of her life are a true testament that times weren't always easy; like living in a refugee camp during WWII, however, Gisela persevered and kept charging on. In her twenties she traveled the expanse of Europe as a chef, not easy for sure as during those times, culturally women weren't typically found in positions such as that. And finally in her 30's she set her sights on the states in the 1960's moved to the USA, Massachusetts to be exact. Caught a job as a chef in a country club, fell in love with a man 13 years her junior and began her "American dream". From the east coast, she moved to Florida for another Country Club gig and then began a family, beginning with daughter Christina and then son Wendell. She eventually divorced, but in the interim moved to Illinois and finally Michigan where she fully settled in Howell, MI until 2022 when her daughter moved her to Traverse City due to her health.
Gisela was a member of the Livingston Co. Arts Club and enjoyed painting landscapes. Another notable thing that she was very proud of was the fact that she became a US citizen in her 50's.
Gisela is survived by her daughter Christina Coffey, son Wendell (Susan) Beverly, brother Gerhard (Lisa) Fritz and grandchildren; Sarah, Renie, Paul and Adele.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Services are being planned July 23 at 12:30pm at Place of Refuge Ministries: 6909 Grand River, Fowlerville, MI 48836.
Those wishing an expression of sympathy may wish to contribute to a local humane society in their area in Gisela's name.