Maeder, Lony Ruth We are heartbroken to announce the death of Lony Ruth Maeder (aka Grosi) on August 25th, 2019 in St Louis Park, MN. Lony was born on October 19th, 1922 in Seuzach, Switzerland to Gritli and Sepp With. They owned a dance school in Winterthur, and there Lony learned the art of dance and hospitality. She would also meet a young Edward Maeder in one of her classes, fall in love and marry in 1946. They resided in Switzerland until they began their "world travels" in 1950. They first moved to England, then on to the United States in 1957. Living first in Chicago, then in Richmond, Virginia, and finally to her wooded haven in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where she lived for nearly 50 years. Mom managed all these upheavals with grace and was a steadying presence for the rest of us. She made wonderful new friends wherever she landed! Lony fostered a love of Switzerland in her children and grandchildren that went far beyond chocolate and watches! She - along with Edward and a few other stalwart Swiss - was a founding member of the Twin Cities Swiss American Association. Early First of August events were held at their home. Lony also loved to travel often in the company of her lucky children or grandchildren, and has instilled this love of adventure in us all. She was always ready to welcome friends for a visit and a cup of tea. Lony was a lover of all creatures, great and small. In particular, she loved her cats (currently Nala and Happy) and the menagerie of outdoor visitors that liked to hang about at mealtimes: including raccoons, deer, wild turkeys, and what seems like hundreds of bird varieties. She was an avid "football" fan, especially the Premier League whenever Liverpool was playing. Mom maintained her humor, wit and intelligence throughout her life, even as physical limitations encroached upon her independence. Her engagement in politics and world affairs remained strong until the very end. Lony was predeceased by her husband, Edward, her son, Peter and her son-in-law, Colman Page. She is survived by her daughters, Susanne Maeder and Barbara Maeder (Joe Fawcett), and daughter-in-law, Lorene Gilliksen; grandchildren: Jesse (Catherine) Page, Emily Maeder (Matthias Peterhans), Brenna Fawcett, Colin Fawcett, and Linette Maeder; great grandchildren: Robert, Ryan, Kierstyn,and Kyra Page and April Loni Peterhans. We are missing Lony almost beyond enduring and are planning a celebration of her life this fall.

Published on September 1, 2019