Elsbeth Hohmeyer

The Hohmeyer family announces the passing of their beloved Mom and “Omi,” Elsbeth Hohmeyer on December 10th.

Elsbeth (Ellen) Hohmeyer was born 1924 in Oer-Erkenschwick, Germany to August and Emma Kriwett. She studied and became a children’s nurse.

She emigrated to the United States with her husband Ernest Sr. and two children, Grita and Cornelia to Hackensack New Jersey. Their 3rd child, Ernest Jr. was born, soon after.

The family moved to the Adirondacks in 1965, when they purchased the Lake Clear Lodge where Elsbeth was the Executive Chef for over 30 years. Though she did not consider herself a “traditional chef,” her Old World cuisine of stocks, sauces and roasts became widely recognized in the U.S. and internationally. However far apart the family was, the aromas from her kitchen stirred us to come home and brought a sense of togetherness and warmth for our family, friends and guests alike. We were all welcomed as family in her kitchen and dining room. “A family that eats together, stays together,” she would always say.

“Omi” had an infectious smile and she believed everyone should laugh at least once a day. Despite the many hardships and trials throughout her 95 years, her sense of humor remained her most recognizable trait in any circumstances and is an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Locals will remember the 3 mile walks, 3 times a day, which they often told us, they could set their clocks to, as Ernest and Elsbeth traveled to and from the Lodge to the Lake Clear Inlet. They would pass by the St. Johns Cemetery, which will be her resting place beside her husband of 54 years, Ernest Sr., who passed in 2001.

Elsbeth, like her husband, loved the Adirondacks and beautiful Lake Clear. She had a great respect for nature and all of its varied life, believing we were all one together.

Elsbeth was a tireless worker, with an extremely high passion for wanting to give her best to others and a genuine sensitivity for how others felt. It was her mission to do anything she could to bring a smile to their face. Above all that, she was, and will continue to be, an eternal light on what a Mom, an “Omi,” and a human should be. Each time we saw her, we were reminded what is was to love and respect others, have humility, not take oneself too seriously, work hard, and--always--what it really meant to be a family. And to laugh, always to laugh.

“Omi” leaves her memories to 3 children, Grita, Cornelia and Ernest, Jr Cornelia plus 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be a private observance at St. John’s Cemetery in Lake Clear.

Family and friends who wish to remember Elsbeth may make a donation to Hospice Centers. Please share a fond story and a laugh in her memory.