Obituary of Eva Maria Lanier
The families of Eva Maria Lanier are sad to report that she died suddenly of natural causes at 11 AM Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 - a date said to be reserved for angels. She was 82.
Smiling, vivacious and caring, Eva had just completed the New York Times crossword puzzle and made a household favorite - grits and eggs - for Sam, her husband of 60 years. It was a beautiful, blue-sky Boulder day with spectacular views of the Flatirons and snow-covered peaks from her house.
She was born July 28, 1935 in peaceful, graceful Hamburg, Germany to Julius and Gertrude Krüger. Her world changed utterly the day before her eighth birthday when Hamburg was bombed during World War II. She never forgot, and grew up hating war, crazy politicians and loud booms. Possessing charm, beauty, a curiosity to see the world and a talent for languages, Eva was hired by Pan Am Airways as one of the fleet's first five German stewardesses, at a time when luxury ruled the skies. She proudly displayed the Master of Flight Service diploma she received Nov. 22, 1957 for "proficiency in the culinary arts, serving of wines and liqueurs, passenger service and
all kindred functions including basic empathy and the art of conversation."
All who knew Eva will never forget her lifelong sense of style, graciousness and ability to make any and all feel good. Her job with Pan Am led not only to travels around the world, but also a date with a dashing, prematurely gray, 28-year-old flight officer named Sam at
the Colosseum in Rome. Quickly recognizing the treasure he'd found, Sam wasted no time and they were married Nov. 29, 1958.
The couple had two daughters, Christine and Colleen, and the family lived for 14 years in Eva's hometown, Hamburg. Seeking a college for Christine in 1976, Eva was instantly smitten by Boulder's beauty when they drove over the scenic overlook. "I don't care where you
go to college," she told Christine, "this is where we are going to live." The next summer the family moved to Boulder.
Eva loved her life in Boulder, first with her wonderful neighbors on Viewpoint Road in South Boulder, then later at her beloved house with mountain views in Spanish Hills. There were many elegant parties at both homes, and for her grandsons Lars and Stefan, "Omi's house"
was always warm, inviting and full of love and wonderful food.
Eva loved people and worked part-time for the Boulder Chamber of Commerce and, later, the CU Alumni Association. She was a spark
of energy; her positivity was contagious and she shared her smile and warmth with everyone she met.
Per Eva's wishes, there will be no service, just a request that you take a moment this weekend to have a wonderful meal and raise a toast to family and friends, celebrating together how wonderful the journey of life can be.
Eva is survived by her soulmate Sam; daughters Christine and Colleen and their husbands Kent and Erik; her grandchildren, Lars and his wife Ashley, Stefan, GT, and his fiancée Bri, and Shelby.