Elizabeth (Baurichter) Graves
SCOTTSDALE – On June 10th, 2022, after 97 blessed years with us, our Mom went to be with God and all those she loved who had gone before.
Born in Almelo, Netherlands into a gifted family and raised with an appreciation of art, music and humor, she flourished. Mom went from a life of some privilege to the reality of Nazi’s occupying their family home. The experience left mom with an appreciation of family over ‘things’; something she instilled in us. Mom left a traditional art school in Holland and came to America where she met Dad, Ray. They loaded up a Crosby station wagon and came to Arizona where the adventure continued.
Thanks to Mom and Dad our childhood wasn’t boring. There was always something fun to do, interesting places to see and unique people to inspire us. Mom’s skill at packing our VW bus for camping adventures was phenomenal. It allowed us to spend numerous summers camping up and down the west coast from Rocky Point to Canada, or just enjoying the cool parts of northern Az. We still tell stories that came out of those trips!
Mom always gave more than she took, while raising 5 kids, she spent time as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, taught art for several years at OLPH, built instruments, and taught music to the neighborhood kids. She was an active partner in our family shop where she made beautiful jewelry. An accomplished glass artist, painter, sculptor and musician; her talents seemed endless.
Mom was a faithful Catholic. She was strong, patient, kind, polite, creative and funny. She loved God, her family, good friends, music, art, the pines and aspen, and her garden.
Mom gave her love unconditionally! She was always there when we needed her. We have been incredibly blessed and will try to follow her example as we go forward.
Mom was predeceased by her son Raymond Jr., husband Ray, and her parents and siblings in Holland. She is survived by her children Patty, Sue, Fred and Sharon, Sharon’s husband Jody, and ‘adopted’ daughter Joan Miller.
Mass will be held at OLPH on Wednesday June 22, at 10:00am. We’ll be having a celebration of life in a month or so, reach out to Patty for questions.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley as they have been invaluable in both the sunset of our both our Mom and Dad’s lives.