Caroline D. Litza's Obituary
My mother, Caroline D. Litza, age 83, of West Allis, WI passed away late Christmas night (Sunday, December 25, 2016) at approximately 11:55 pm at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee. Caroline was born in Amherst, WI on February 6, 1933, the daughter of the late Alois "Lewie" and Johanna (Landowski) Dombrowski. Her mother Johanna passed away when Caroline was only seven years old. At that time, Caroline was given the responsibility of raising her brothers and sisters while their father tended to the business of running the family farm. Caroline loved to laugh and she loved to make others laugh as well. Her humor could range from the broad and silly to the sly and sarcastic. She took life seriously, but could also laugh at life’s absurdities. She was one of the funniest and hippest 80-year-olds anyone could ever hope to meet. She often remarked she felt more at home with people in their 20’s and 30’s than her contemporaries. At this time she would hope that people would not be sad at her passing, but celebrate her full and rich life. Her generosity knew no bounds. She always put others before herself. If someone was in need, she would do whatever she could to help them..often times going without and ignoring her own needs. This love of humanity was extended to all living creatures. Caroline’s love of animals was well known. Her house was always occupied by at least one or two four-legged friends. A dog laying by Caroline’s side was all that was needed to bring a smile to her face and happiness to her heart. October 9, 1954, marked either the best day or worst day of Caroline’s life (her opinion would often change daily and sometimes hourly as to whether it was it was a blessed or a cursed day). That was the day Caroline married the love of her life, Sylvester Litza at St. James Catholic Church in Amherst. They remained married, keeping their promised of staying together “til death do us part”. They moved to Milwaukee and lived there to this day. Caroline had a medical condition that her doctors said would prevent her from having children. Like so many times in her life, she ignored what people told her, and had a son, Thomas, on January 18, 1963. While Thomas was (and continues to be) far from perfect. She showed him what unconditional love and forgiveness meant. He thought that no one could be blessed with more love and attention than he received from her. Then, on May 10, 2003, he had a daughter of his own (Angelina) and Caroline forgot all about her son in favor of her new grand daughter. Well, she didn’t really forget about him. There was just someone new to this world that needed her love more now. While many may claim familiar sentiments, for Caroline, her family meant more to her than anything else in the world. Caroline was fiercely independent and wanted to be able to take care of herself. A feminist before that term was even created, she believed that she could do any work that a man could do. And she proved that throughout her life. She did not seek any laurels or adulation for her accomplishments, she did was she did because she believed that is what she was supposed to do. Along with raising a son and taking care of the family home, she worked full time at Briggs & Stratton Co. in Milwaukee for more than a quarter of a century. After her retirement from Briggs & Stratton, she started a second career. This time, she wanted to follow one of her passions in life (flowers and gardening) and took a position at Stein's Garden and Gifts where she worked as a flower designer and arranger for the next decade. After more than forty years in the work force, Caroline decided it was time to take a break and see the world. Her travels took her to many cities and countries including London, Jamaica and frequent trips to Los Angeles to visit her son and his family. The rumors that the real reason she went to Los Angeles so often was due to the fact that she was being considered for a role as the “Fifth Girl” on the TV show The Golden Girls has not been verified at press time. Caroline loved all kinds of music…as long as it wasn’t too loud. While some people might say, “rock and roll can never be too loud”, Caroline would say “I don’t care. It’s too loud, turn it down”. That said, Caroline could tap her toes as easily to reggae or the latest underground sensation as she could to Loretta Lynn or Neil Diamond. Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” was a personal favorite of her’s, for obvious reasons. Her passion for life extended to an endless curiosity. A voracious reader, she would complete 2 or 3 books a week (until her eyesight failed her). Her favorites were cook books, romance and historical novels. Her taste buds reflected that same open mindedness. If there was something new on her plate that she never ate before, she would not hesitate to try it. Like music, Caroline loved all kinds of food and cultures. Always wanting to improve herself, she took many classes and courses at the local technical college. She was particularly proud of the tax preparation certificate that she earned. She loved knitting and sewing and took many classes related to that as well. Caroline had a special gift that she was very proud of --her penmanship. If there was an Olympic event in handwriting, she would have dominated the gold medal for the last half a century. Anyone who was lucky enough to receive a card or letter witnessed the beauty of her handwriting. She often remarked at how it took her years of practice, but since she was not able to finish high school, she wanted to have perfect penmanship to show people that she was no dummy. What she never understood was that anyone who spoke to her for five minutes would never have thought that. A lifelong Catholic, her spirituality ran deep. She knew that this life was only one stop on her journey and that there was something far greater after her time her was over. Caroline is survived by her husband: Sylvester Litza, Milwaukee; her son: Thomas (Khwan) Litza, Los Angeles, CA; her granddaughter: Angelina Litza Los Angeles, CA; and step-grandson Samapol Chalerjurupat, Bangkok, Thailand. She is also survived by her brother: Paul (Tamara) Kenowski, Stevens Point; her sister: Chesterine (John) Brzezinski, Stevens Point and her sister-in-law: Karen Dombrowski, Amherst. Also surviving are many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Albert & Hubert Dombrowski and her sister, Evelyn Dombrowski. Who are no doubt happy to be reunited with Caroline in the afterlife.
The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, January 12 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Amherst with Father Dan Hackel, presiding. Burial will follow in the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday morning from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the church. Jungers-Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
She lived life with a simple motto-she did it her way…as long as it was legal (or at least be pretty sure that she wouldn’t be caught if it wasn’t).
What’s your fondest memory of Caroline?
What’s a lesson you learned from Caroline?
Share a story where Caroline's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Caroline you’ll never forget.
How did Caroline make you smile?