Elizabeth

Ziegler

Anna Elizabeth “Elizabeth” Ziegler passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 3, 2026, in Park Ridge, Illinois, at the age of 101.

Elizabeth was born in Heidenheim, Germany, to Christian and Anna Ziegler. She immigrated to America with her family when she was two years old and was raised in Chicago, Illinois.

As a young woman, Elizabeth left high school to work and help support her family. She later returned to school by attending night classes and earned her GED. She spent her entire working career as a research librarian. She began as a teletype clerk and worked her way through various administrative positions before becoming a research librarian. Long before computers, she located information by searching publications and finding, clipping, and organizing newspaper and magazine articles. Her career spanned several changes in the communications industry, including AT&T and Western Union, and eventually the company known today as Nokia.

Elizabeth enjoyed taking her family to the company's annual Christmas party. Each year, the event showcased the latest technology and was quite an affair. It became a special tradition that her family looked forward to attending.

Elizabeth was a hardworking and independent woman. She was proud of owning her own home as a single woman, at a time when that was not common. She remained in her family home to care for her parents until their deaths. She also cared for a disabled friend for 40 years.

Her Christian faith was an important part of her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Luke's Evangelical Church on West Belmont Avenue in Chicago. Her early years at the church and the study of Scripture helped establish her strong and lifelong belief in the Holy Trinity. She enjoyed sharing her belief in Jesus with others. She was also a lifelong member of the Pioneers Club.

Elizabeth enjoyed gardening, particularly her flower garden, which included Rose of Sharon, climbing clematis, and tulips. She also grew tomatoes and made flower arrangements that she donated to nursing homes. She was a member of the Lyric Opera for 50 years and enjoyed attending musical concerts. She also took hat-making classes with friends at Vogue Fabrics in Evanston. She wore hats often and enjoyed decorating them in her own style, frequently adding flowers.

Elizabeth enjoyed traveling, including returning to her homeland in Germany and visiting other countries. She also enjoyed volunteering and spending time with friends.

Those who knew Elizabeth will remember how much she enjoyed hearing from her beloved niece, Susan. She especially looked forward to Susan's phone calls while she was driving on road trips and liked knowing when Susan would be coming to visit.

When Susan was a teenager, she and Elizabeth traveled together during the summers, visiting places in Wisconsin and Michigan. They also spent weekends visiting museums. One of Susan's favorite memories was Elizabeth introducing her to ballet. It started with The Nutcracker and continued with Swan Lake, Giselle, and Coppélia. This introduction sparked Susan's love of ballet and led to her attending performances annually.

In her later years, Elizabeth benefited from the help and friendship of many wonderful neighbors and friends who stayed involved in her life and looked out for her. Special thanks go to the Center of Concern and its volunteers, many of whom became cherished friends and provided tremendous help and support.

Elizabeth is survived by her niece, Susan Ziegler, and Bill. She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Anna Ziegler; her brother, Fred; her sister-in-law, Lorraine; and her nephew, Tom.

A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please hug someone you love in honor of Elizabeth.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."