Elizabeth Wasserstein

Elizabeth Wasserstein passed away on January 1, 2013, at the age of 76. She was born November 14, 1936, in Houston, Texas, the oldest of the three children of Morris and Dorothy Sporn. Liz is survived by her sister Maxine Curtis and her brother Larry Sporn and his wife Sheila, all of Houston, and their families; her three sons, Ron and his wife Sherry (of Virginia), Mike and his wife Lydia (of Nebraska), and Lonnie (Topeka); and by 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Perry and by a brother Phillip.

Liz was raised in Houston and graduated from Milby High School. In 1954 she met Perry on a double date. They were not each other's date, but they may as well have been. They were married in January, 1955, and were married for almost 51 years until Perry's passing in 2006. When Liz met Perry, he was enlisted in the US Air Force, and after they married they spent the next 19 years in service to their country around the US and the world. In 1972 they were transferred to Forbes Air Force Base. At that time, they thought Kansas was the uttermost part of the earth, and had no intention of staying once Perry retired from the military. But they found they loved Kansas, and they lived in Topeka for the rest of their lives. Perry was a member of the Air Force Band for many years, a trumpet player, and while he loved to play, music did not pay well, so he often had a second job, and Liz also worked once the boys were in school. Both worked hard to support their family, but when they were not working they enjoyed spending time together reading books, watching television, sharing various hobbies, and spending time with a small but tight circle of friends. They loved to entertain, and to gather friends together for card-playing and story-swapping. The household was full of laughter during those gatherings. New Year's Eve was often a very special occasion to celebrate with friends and family. Liz and Perry loved to camp, fish, and ride motorcycles, and as the years went by, they especially enjoyed visits from their children and growing number of grandchildren. The entire family experienced the "Wasserstein sense of humor," as Perry and Liz enjoyed puns and word play. Jokes were repeated often enough that the punch line was sufficient to bring a laugh or a smile. A great love of Liz' life was the many years she spent working for Florence Crittenden Services. She loved the staff and the girls they cared for, and was viewed as everyone's mom. Liz will be remembered for her love for her husband and family, and for the patient, gentle care she gave to all.

Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2013, at Mount Hope Cemetery, 17th & Fairlawn, Topeka. Memorial gifts in Elizabeth Wasserstein's name may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, 4712 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66606. Please make the check payable to Topeka Presbyterian Manor. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.