Elisa Maria Franssen, beloved wife, mother and Oma, peacefully began her journey to eternal Life on Dec. 5, 2010, with her husband and children at her side. Elisa was born Elisa Maria Teresia Horbach in Gulpen, Zuid Limberg, the southernmost province in Holland on Sept. 9, 1936, to Alphonse and Maria Horbach. She was the fourth child and the baby of the family lovingly nicknamed Elly.

Following the struggles of World War II, Elisa’s family emigrated in 1952 to Sydney, Australia. In Australia, she met a handsome Dutch immigrant named Joseph Franssen at the Queen Juliana Ball, a dance celebrating the Queen of Holland. Joseph became the love of her life and they were married in 1958.

After their wedding, Joseph took his new bride on a transcontinental journey across the Pacific Ocean in search of the American dream. With only two suitcases and an unknown destination, they settled in Seattle. Frugally saving and working, Elisa and Joe were able to build and own their first home in Bothell. There she was blessed with three boys, Peter, Carl and Michael. In 1970, Elisa and her family moved to Oak Harbor, a community with a strong Dutch heritage. They invested in a small motel and transformed the little Suncrest Motel into the Auld Holland Inn. With the addition of a four- story windmill, it was soon known as the gateway into Oak Harbor.

Oma was the glue that kept the family and the business together. When needed, she was extremely tough, yet always fair. Some called her “Tiny” due to her small stature but strong convictions. It was common to see her at holiday time preparing a holiday feast, attending to her motel guests and entertaining the family. Although operating the motel was a 24 hour-a-day occupation, Elisa knew that running her family was a 25 hour-a-day job. Always enjoying her family, Elisa was fortunate to have her three boys settle with their families in the Oak Harbor area.

Elisa was a wonderful, loving, and devoted Oma and cherished the opportunities to be involved with her grandchildren’s activities and family vacations. She always had a schnoopia (candy) in her pocket to share or some wisdom to pass on. Elisa received a special treat when her sister, Maria, also known as Ria, traveled from Australia to spend the summer with her, a tradition for the last 12 years. She had a special friend, Leonida Pan Pan, who served as her right hand and cared for Elisa as her health began to fail.

Elisa was a charter member of Soroptimist. She was involved in Dutch Dancers, Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church. Elly and Joe enjoyed many trips back to Holland and Australia to visit family, as well as having the pleasure of family visits. She and Joe recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary, surrounded by friends and family at the Kasteel Franssen.

Elisa is survived by Joseph Franssen at the family’s home; son Peter and wife Kimberly of Oak Harbor, son Carl and wife Monica of Anacortes, and son Michael and wife Celeste Of Oak Harbor; brother-in-law Frans Franssen, wife Monique of Oak Harbor; brother-in-law Leon Franssen of Coupeville and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; grandchildren Peter, Faith, Elisa, Christoph, Caleb, Alicia, Megan, Andrew, Sarah, Gena and husband Sam, and McCala; and great grandchildren Lily, Olivia, Wyatt; also, family in Australia, sisters Gerry Krans and Ria Wajon and brother Jeff Horbach; sister-in-law Evonne and numerous nephews and nieces.

We will miss Elisa’s beautiful smile and warm hugs, but we will hold her memory in our hearts forever. We love you. Rest in peace.

A Vigil for Elly will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Monday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. Catholic Mass will be said for Ellie at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, also at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel where friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest book and leave memories for the family.