Elisabeth Franziska Von Schaewen was born on August 4, 1918 in Sofia, Bulgaria to Freiin Maria Von Reicher and Baron Gerhard Von Schaewen. She was always known as “Mutti” to her family and close friends. The youngest of three girls, Mutti’s happy youth included visits with the king and queen of Bulgaria and formal ballroom dances at the Royal Palace. She loved music and frequently attended symphony and opera performances. As a young university student, Elisabeth performed with the Berlin Symphony. She was well-schooled and spoke five languages. She also loved hiking and climbing the scenic surrounding mountains.

Tragically, Elisabeth lost her mother to tuberculosis at the tender age of five.

World War II changed everything. In the summer of 1942 Elisabeth married a handsome German paratrooper named Johann Josef Justl. In 1952 the family immigrated to Ontario, Canada in search of a better life. Finally in 1960, Johann realized his dream by moving the family to Harlingen, Texas. Elisabeth’s determination, perseverance and faith in God carried her and her family through very trying times surviving bombing raids, hunger and extreme poverty throughout the war and post war years.

Elisabeth had a long and successful career as a registered dietitian.

Mutti is survived by her six children, Franziska Hancock, Peter Justl, Barbara Boucher, Anneliese McMinn, Isabel Link and Walter Justl as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

To her death Mutti’s love of God remained unbending. She went to be with her Lord on July 4, 2026. A remarkable human being, she will be missed.