Lieselotte "Lilo" Means

September 05, 1934 - September 24, 2018

Obituary For Lieselotte "Lilo" Means

Lieselotte Erika Bumme Means, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, went to sleep with the Lord on September 24, 2018, after a long period of declining health. Lieselotte “Lilo” was born on September 5, 1934, in Halberstadt, Germany. Shortly after her birth her family relocated to Berlin where they lived throughout the war and through the fall of Berlin to the Russian army. After the war, at the age of 15, she left Germany to journey to America to be with her older sister Christa, who had married and relocated to Milton, Florida. In Milton her brother-in-law’s family, the Childers, lovingly welcomed her and cared for her.

Her life in America took her to Oklahoma where Lilo was introduced to her future husband, John A. Means, by the woman who would be her future mother-in-law, Frances Holland. Mrs. Holland met Lilo at a church bible study group and arranged their first date when she told her son, “This is an outstanding young woman. I wouldn’t wait around son.” Lilo and John were married in Brewton, Alabama, on May 3, 1952. Lilo was a devoted and supportive wife and helpmate who traveled throughout America and France with her husband during his military career with the US Army. After John left the Army and transitioned to civilian life she was equally supportive as they relocated to Texas, Illinois, California, and ultimately North Carolina.

Lilo was a caring mother to her three daughters, Mary Means, Sarah Smith (Craig Smith), and Naomi Tsujimura (Masatoshi Tsujimura). She was a most beloved and treasured grandmother to her three grandchildren, Miyuki Ruth Keller (Frank Keller), Toshiya Lucas Tsujimura, and Norikazu Joshua Tsujimura. She was pre-deceased by her husband John who passed away in 1988. She is also survived by her sister Christa Childers or Prescott Valley, Arizona and her nephews Gunter and Heiner (Corolla) Dittrich of Berlin, Germany.

Lilo’s life was one marked by the traits of care, compassion, and selfless service to others. She was always active in her church and loved her church home Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, in Raleigh. She was a devoted friend who supported and cared for many of her friends as they moved into care facilities. She had a great love of animals (stray dogs the best). She loved the wide open spaces she found in America. She especially loved the plains of Oklahoma and Texas and the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. She was always grateful for the great compassion and kindness she experienced in this country after leaving Germany. The family would like to thank the staff of Wake Assisted Living for all their care and compassion to Lilo over the past three years. A visitation will be held on Tues. Sept. 24, 2018 from 5-7 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 5000 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC. The funeral will be held at the same location on Wed. Sept. 25 at 11 am with a burial to follow at Montlawn Cemetery in Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund or to the Wake County SPCA

Services

25 Sep

Viewing and Visitation

05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 5000 Lead Mine Road Raleigh, NC 27612 Get Directions »

26 Sep

Funeral Service

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 5000 Lead Mine Road Raleigh, NC 27612 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Melissa Seate

Dear Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like she was a beautiful woman. I wish comfort for you and your family. Missy Seate CHASS - NC State
September 01, 2020

Sarah Smith

Thanks for your kind words
September 01, 2020

Angela Arnette

Your mom and dad treated me like family when I needed it the most. I will never forget their kindness and the impact you all had on my life. I hope things are otherwise going well at this difficult time.
September 01, 2020

Steve Ayers

Sarah...sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Steve Ayers (ECU)
September 01, 2020

Sarah Smith

thanks
September 01, 2020

Norma Epley

Lit a candle in memory of Lieselotte "Lilo" Means
September 01, 2020

Shirl Smith

Lit a candle in memory of Lieselotte "Lilo" Means
September 01, 2020

Cassandra Jones

Lit a candle in memory of Lieselotte "Lilo" Means
September 01, 2020

Steve Parker

Naomi and family -- I was so sorry to learn of Lilo's passing. I know how much you all loved her, and she you. May your memories of her provide you with comfort and warmth in the days ahead. You are all in my prayers. Steve Parker
September 01, 2020

Angela Arnette

Sarah, I was sorry to hear of your moms passing. Your mom was a wonderful, kind and compassionate person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Angela Davis Arnette
September 01, 2020

Sarah Smith

My mom loved the lord and her family and she will be missed. She was a kind soul and even through her declining health, she was still a sweet person with a pleasant disposition, albeit a bit unfiltered at times, which was uncharacteristic for her true self. She leaves many who loved her and to whom she was a tremendous influence. Her life had worth and value and she touched many. We love you, Craig and Sarah
September 01, 2020

Amy Ezzell

I will always remember Aunt Lilo with a smile on her face and in her heart... and that lovely voice that always sounded like she was singing... Rest In Peace Aunt Lilo...
September 01, 2020

Sarah Smith

Thanks so much - dad has been gone for 30 years now so I think she was just tired of holding on.