Elizabeth Meske

Elizabeth Maria Csöndes Meske passed away peacefully on Sept 11th, 2024, at the age of 78, with her husband by her side.

Elizabeth was born on May 5th, 1946 in Niederpocking bei Starnberg, Germany to Laszlo and Valerie von Csöndes. In 1949, after Elizabeth's father returned to Hungary, and became trapped behind the Iron Curtain, her mother Valerie, her sister Eva, and Liz, immigrated to the United States. In 1949 there was no daycare, so out of necessity, Elizabeth's mother chose to place her daughters into the Los Angeles orphanage, in Boyle Heights, CA. The orphanage was run by the Daughter's of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Eventually the nuns built the Maryvale Boarding School of San Gabriel CA. Their mother Valerie, visited them every weekend, over the years. The girls remained there until their high school years, when they moved back in with their mother in Hollywood, CA.

In 1962 Elizabeth met the love of her life, Paul Meske, a native of Michigan, while they were both living in California. In 1964 they were married, while Paul served in the United States Airforce. The first 3 years of their marriage were spent in Darmstadt West Germany, where their first child Lisa was born. In 1967, after returning to the States, Elizabeth and Paul settled in Reseda, CA. Their second child Stephen was born, while in Reseda. After Paul graduated college in 1971, the family purchased their first home, in Thousand Oaks, CA. During their time in Thousand Oaks, Elizabeth was involved with Blue Birds and Campfire girls. Her higher education began there, attending Moorpark Junior College. She also enjoyed working part time at Holiday Hardware, while raising her family. 

After 7 years, Paul's job led them to Merced, CA. While there Elizabeth enrolled in Merced Junior college. She volunteered her time with Young Life, a local Christian youth organization while in Merced. Two years later, Paul's career led them to Phoenix, AZ, where they were blessed with their third child Kate. A few years later, Paul and Liz became very involved with their Church, St. James Parish, as the baptism prep team. They spent the next 20 years, volunteering their time, to prepare families for the baptism of their children. They were also involved in eucharistic ministries and many other events with the church. 

Liz's love of continuing education led her through three community colleges, where she graduated with her associate's degree in ASL. Elizabeth began to work for the Paradise Valley School district, as a teacher's aide, with developmentally disabled students. After working for several years, at age 50, Elizabeth enrolled at Arizona State University, in their Social Work program. At age 53, she received her BSW with Honors in Social Work. She continued with her studies at ASU, and obtained her Master's Degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Elizabeth then accepted a job, with the state of Arizona, working with the families of developmentally disabled children. She worked in this position, until she retired in 2008.

Since 2008, Paul and Liz have lived in Pocatello, and have been very involved in volunteering, with church activities, and taking classes in New Knowledge Adventures, through Idaho State University. Over the years Paul and Liz also hosted, various members of chorale groups from around the world, who participated in the International Chorale Festival at ISU.

If you were lucky enough, to have been Blessed by the life of Liz, you would know that she was the epitome of sugar and spice, and everything nice. She was funny and feisty and didn't hesitate to let people know. Elizabeth loved cooking and was quite an amazing chef. She enjoyed having her kids help her in the kitchen, cooking authentic Hungarian meals for the family. Liz loved birthdays and holidays and made them an extra special occasion. Wherever we lived, she always made our houses, a HOME, full of love and laughter.

Liz is survived by her husband, Paul Meske; her daughter, Lisa Ramsey of Nampa; her son, Steve Meske of Canton, Georgia; and their youngest daughter, Kate of Pocatello; granddaughter, Emma Dobb of Houghton Michigan; and their little red dog Clifford.

Funeral Mass will be held at, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 439 N. Hayes Ave. Pocatello, ID, on October 19, 2024, at 11am, followed by a graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID. A luncheon, after the graveside, will take place at St. Anthony's Church, 524 N. 7th Ave. Pocatello, ID.

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