Quitta "Elfie" Schwenke

October 8, 1931 - April 17, 2021

Quitta “Elfie” Schwenke On April 17, 2021, beloved eternal companion, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt Quitta “Elfie” Schwenke passed away at the age of 89. Elfie was born on October 8, 1931 to Ernst and Faiitua Keil in the homestead in Lotopa, Western Samoa. She was the oldest of their 9 children and first grandchild of Hans Joachim Keil and Daisy AhMu Keil. She attended St. Joseph School, Lefifi School and St. Mary’s Convent School. Instead of continuing on to business training, she was sent to Auckland, New Zealand in early 1947 to study nursing at Cornwall Hospital at Greenlane. However, after three months, she found that nursing was not her calling so she took up a job at the Nestles Chocolate Company. In 1948, she returned to Samoa with her Uncle William and Aunty Violet. On April 14, 1949 she married her eternal sweetheart, August Edward “Eddie” Schwenke, a match made for eternity. They had two children while living in Samoa, Irwin “Winky” and Beverlee “Lee”. As the children grew, Elfie and Eddie knew they wanted to provide opportunities for their family, so the decision was made to move to New Zealand in 1955. They moved into their first home on Penrose Road in Mt. Wellington and soon after, two more children completed the family: Ninette “Nettie” and Jelaire Francine “Fran”. Again, the desire to provide the best opportunities for their family arose and in 1973, Elfie and Eddie uprooted the family and immigrated from Auckland, New Zealand to the United States, specifically, California. They spent many years in California, strengthening family ties and creating new bonds with friends and loved ones. She was known for her green thumb as evidenced from their plumeria trees that they grew at their home in Placentia and now in Mesa. She would nurture Orchid plants so they would bloom and thrive every year. In 2007, Elfie and Eddie relocated to Mesa where she continued all her talents she had developed. Elfie was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was dedicated to her callings and loved to cook and bake her specialty foods for the missionaries and the ward. Something that was very important to her was teaching her children and grandchildren the family recipes. She was a pillar of strength to her family and friends. She is survived by her eternal companion of 72 years, Eddie; her daughters Beverlee (David) Hamm, Nettie (Steve) Horvath and Fran (Dave) Depew. She was preceded in death by her only son, Irwin “Winky”. She leaves behind her grandchildren Jade (Ken) Haines, Kyle (Alyssa) Hamm, Amanda (Andrew) Gaytan, Jared Horvath, Jack Horvath, Caroline Depew and Alex Depew; and her great-grandchildren, August Sophie Haines, Andrew “Ace” Gaytan and Gianna Hamm, in addition to many children she “adopted” throughout her life. She was loved by so many and will be sorely missed. Her final words of wisdom to her kids and grandkids was.....always stay close to each other by clearing the air with any grievances and then forgive and forget. In honor of Mimi please consider putting her advice into action. Services will be held on Saturday, April 24th at 10am PDT The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fairway Groves Ward 5350 E McLellan, Mesa, Az Interment at City of Mesa Cemetery The service will be broadcast at 10am Pacific Daylight Time https://zoom.us/j/91760190944?pwd=eFlzQlJYZ1E2c0UzT3hXeURBKzZYQT09 Passcode: 706821 Or One tap mobile : US: +13462487799,,91760190944#,,,,*706821# or +16699006833,,91760190944#,,,,*706821# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 917 6019 0944 Passcode: 706821 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abOG3SJ4u3