Elfriede B. Weil

Elfi Weil, aged 92, crossed over into the next phase of her journey during the early morning hours of December 26, 2017. After a long illness, one that she endured with incredible courage and strength, Elfi peacefully departed this life surrounded by loved ones in her home in Kingstowne, Virginia. Elfi was born on July 31,1925 to Heinrich and Maria Wilhelm in Vienna, Austria. She always spoke lovingly about her childhood and shared stories of visiting relatives in the Wachau, long biking trips with her father throughout Austria, swimming across the great Danube River in the summer, and ice skating in the winter. She was especially close to her Father and credited him with instilling in her a love for nature and sense of adventure. As a young adult, life was not so carefree with the onset of World War II. She faced those years and hardships like so many others of her generation bravely and grew into the tenacious and spirited woman she remained throughout life. She never lost sight of the lessons of war and was quick to remind those around her to appreciate the food on their plate and the security that their home offered. Her beauty and qualities were those that attracted the love of her life, Charles Francis Weil, who was stationed in Vienna with the U.S. Army. They were married in 1947 and subsequently had four children who were all born at the 110th Station Hospital in Vienna. Following the Austrian State Treaty in 1995, the family moved to Germany; first Stuttgart, and then Heidelberg. In addition to the love they shared with each other, Charles matched Elfi’s passion for travel. With their young family of four children and her parents in tow, their adventures were ones of exploration and discovery. Elfi logged thousands of kilometers with her family travelling across Europe in the family VW Van. As their children grew up and left the nest, Elfi and Chuck went on to enjoy new activities and stayed fit with 20 kilometer Volksmarches through the scenic German countryside. It was also at that time that their travel destinations became more distant and exotic. For those fortunate to hear her stories and experiences, one would learn of camelback rides to the Egyptian Pyramids, a mountainous trek to the ruins of Machu Picchu, climbing the Great Wall of China, and a harrowing rescue at sea as passengers on a sinking ship bound for China in the Gulf of Alaska. Sadly, and unexpectedly, Elfi lost her beloved husband in 1984. She would never marry again and never stopped missing him. Determined to stay true to the lifestyle of exploration that they shared, she continued to travel with her daughter. Her wanderlust would continue to take her to the far reaches of the globe. Over her lifetime, Elfi came to know six continents, dozens of countries, and experience countless cultures. Her love of life and adventurous spirit will continue to be an inspiration to those seeking to enjoy all that this world offers. Elfi is survived by her four children. Her son Michael (Monica) Weil resides in Needham, Massachusetts. Thomas Weil is a resident of Woodburn, Oregon. Geoffrey (Lorraine) Weil resides in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Patricia Weil, Elfi’s daughter and loving caregiver of the last 10 years continues to live in the home they shared in Kingstowne. Elfi is survived as well by 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Elfi will join her husband Charles at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced. A religious service will be held at the Arlington Catholic Chapel the day of her funeral. Elfi will be missed immensely by her loved ones, and those that have come to know her. Her authenticity and charisma were forces of their own, and have left an undeniable void with her passing. Rest in peace, Elfi…we love you and you will always hold a very special place in our hearts. (jpwalker)

Tributes

Elfriede B. Weil

July 31, 1925 - December 26, 2017