Obituary of Hjordis Sofie Quitzau

Date of Service: 1/26/2013 Cause of Death: Heart Failure Age: 79 Native of: Denmark Hjordis Sofie Quitzau was born on May 6, 1933 to Ellen Katrine and Ole Ferdinand Hansen. She was born and raised in a farmhouse that has been in the family since 1731, located in Denmark, on the small island OmØ. She went to a small multi-age school until she was 14, at which time she went to work for other families. She took sewing lessons and learned English. She became an Au par in Canada, intending to only stay for 2 years. She continued as a homemaker and a volunteer in her community throughout her life. Everything she did, she did her way and was an incredibly hard worker. Hjordis' main hobbies included: crafter, gardener, cooking, sailing (voted yacht woman of the year, 2002), and world travel. She also enjoyed staying in contact with her many friends and family through letters. She was very creative and had a unique style. Although she gave up many activities due to her failing health, she was still involved in St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, the Capitola Senior Center, and Grey Bears. She was a member of the Scandinavian Club of San Jose. Family and friends introduced her to Carl Andre Quitzau. They were married in Edmonton, Canada. Eric Quitzau, was born in 1964. Shortly after they moved to San Jose, California. In 1965, Hjordis gave birth to their second child, Carol Quitzau. In 1972 they moved to Soquel, bought a house on the creek, and started the family business, Elevator Service Company. Hjordis was one of six children. She is survived by her two sisters, Inge Hansen and Anny Hansen, and brother Erik Hansen. All reside with their families in Denmark. Her cousin, Herdis Lane resides in San Jose. Her Uncle Otto Hansen and family live in Calgary, Canada. She has four grandchildren: Bjorn and Steen Temple, and Bria and Chandler Quitzau. She is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Carl Andre Quitzau, July 6, 1999, and her two brothers Thomas Hansen and Unke Hansen. Please join us in a celebration of Hjordis' life on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Stephen's Lutheran Church (ELCA), 2500 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception. Hjordis' ashes will be scattered in Monterey Bay by family and friends at a date after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: California Grey Bears, 2710 Chanticleer Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (831) 479-1055 Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 476-4711 St. Stephen's Lutheran Church (ELCA), 2500 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 476-4700