Novato, CA

A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, Elizabeth Clare Esmerian passed away peacefully while surrounded by the love of her family. Her children are heartbroken. Elizabeth (Liz), at 93 just shy of her 94th birthday, was sharp, witty and in good spirits to the end. Liz was a much-loved foreign language teacher and spent a lengthy career teaching Spanish at Kenilworth Jr. High in Petaluma and German at Novato High School. After receiving a master's degree in German, she also taught German classes at College of Marin and presided as President of the German Language School of Marin well into her seventies. Elizabeth was honored with a ceremony at the German Embassy in San Franciso, where she received The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. The medal was instituted in 1951 and is the highest tribute the Federal Government can pay to individuals for service to the nation.

Liz took up golf in her sixties, after retiring from Kenilworth and thoroughly enjoyed playing as often as possible with her many friends at Indian Valley Golf course. Her close-knit group would play in the “Niners” and then have lunch, which was enjoyed as much as golf. Liz always said, “I don’t golf for exercise, Idoit for the comradery.” She loved spending time with her best friend, Audrey, who she called her sister. After meeting as teachers, they remained lifelong best friends. They had a standing New Year’s Eve “date” for many years, at Liz’s home, which always included a small bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

Liz was also highly active in the lives of her 6 grandkids. (Katie, Brett, MacKenzie, Clarke, Alexandra, Jesse). She always had calming words of encouragement for those around her. Liz felt blessed to welcome her two great-grandchildren (Lia and Bella) into the world. Liz was famous for her Sunday and holiday dinners, where everyone was welcome, and always included her famous potato salad. Elizabeth was a living history book, having lived in Europe during the war as a small child. Liz felt relieved to have the opportunity to vote one last time.

Elizabeth is survived by her children Richard Esmerian (Cindy), Denise Lucia, Margie Esmerian-Smith (Bruce), Rebecca Baltutis, her grandkids, Katie Rottet (Kyle), Brett Smith (Lilian), Mackenzie Baldwin (Cody), Clarke Esmerian, Alexandra Esmerian, Jesse Baltutis and great-grandkids, Lia Rottet and Isabella Smith, and her dear friend, Audrey Omahundra.