 GRIESBACHER, ELIZABETH SAGH April 10, 1925 - March 15, 2013. Elizabeth was born in Veszprem County, Hungary. Her parents died when she was only 17 years old and she became responsible for herself and two younger brothers. Life became nearly impossible with the advent of WWII. Elizabeth told that during a Russian raid she along with five neighbor girls were hidden inside a small wall space at a relatives' house. They remained there for days with nothing but the dark and little food and water. She had many such memories, some humorous but many that are sad. Elizabeth married Frederick Griesbacher Sr. in 1945 and started a family. In 1948 the Hungarian peoples situation worsened, the family property was confiscated by the Communists, and they along with many others were forced to leave their home and move to Budapest to start over. Her memories of those days were of the difficulties of day to day existence. By 1948 their family had grown to five, and providing for everyone under difficult conditions became a full time activity. She remembers standing in endless lines for the few items the stores had to offer, whether it was food or other necessities. Elizabeth and her husband along with thousands of others took the opportunity to emigrate to the west during the 1956 uprising. They were fortunate in finding a sponsor in Connecticut and settled with their three children into a new country and culture. In 1972 Elizabeth was widowed with a 9 year old son. She decided to move to Albuquerque in 1982 to join her daughter and her daughter's family. Although her life had lots of ups and downs, she talked often of good friends and memories. She looked forward to visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Early on she was an active member of the Hungarian American Club of New Mexico, enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking and sewing. Elizabeth passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind three children, Fred and Erick Griesbacher of Albuquerque, and a daughter Eva Staley of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
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