Regina Elfriede Kaufmann

A life that touched so many hearts will be forever remembered.

Obituary

Regina Elfriede Kaufmann (née Erismann), a beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of September 22, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was 85 and had struggled for four years with breast cancer. Born on May 14, 1939, in Seengen, Switzerland, Regina lived a life marked by kindness, perseverance, and dedication to her family and friends.

Regina is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Peter and Iside Erismann-Bolliger, her brother Hans Erismann, her two children, Caroline Kaufmann Roberts and Philip Kaufmann, Caroline's husband Gary Roberts and their children Odin and Cora, and Philip's fiancée Elspeth Vance and their daughters Beatrix and Elfriede. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Xavier Francis Kaufmann. As a mother, she was nurturing, loving, and endlessly supportive. As a devoted grandmother known as "Gigi", she showered affection on her grandchildren who brought her enormous joy and who loved her dearly.

Regina will be remembered for her free spirit, her faith, and her love of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Note

It has been a very difficult time for us since our mother's passing, but we have greatly appreciated the words of comfort and condolences received from so many of you. We wanted to offer this memorial page as a place for us to "gather" and for you to share any thoughts or memories you would like to contribute. We hope you enjoy the photos and would welcome any you'd like to share. Thank you for your love for our mother and our family.

Gallery

Memory wall

November 17, 2024

It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of my Aunt Regina. I was the godchild of her husband, Xavier, and really had the opportunity to get to know her during two stays at Longrove in 2000, where Xavier and she warmly welcomed my companion and me. I remember Regina's incredible sense of humor and her great curiosity about many things, including psychology, sociology, and especially politics. We talked for hours about how to defend animal rights or women's rights, about how she left her small village in Switzerland to discover a whole new life in America. She was a very independent mind. And also a loving and sometimes concerned mother. And I must say: I was very jealous of her beautiful leopard outfits...
With all my sympathy and love

Laurence Kaufmann

November 14, 2024

Regina is truly a wonderful soul, endlessly generous, always ready to help.
She was the only one who helped me when my life was at a very low point, something only a true friend would do.
I will forever be grateful to her for this.
May God bless her with all the graces she so rightfully deserves.

Maria

November 14, 2024

Dear Caroline, Philip & family,
my deepest heartfelt condolences on your dear Mom’s passing.
Regina was a very special and treasured friend of many years. She had the most cheerful voice, she was a great listener and so easy to connect with. I always treasured our conversations, even after a period of silence, I could always pick up with Regina again right where we left. She was a true soulmate and I will miss her dearly. My joyful memories of Regina will never fade!

Trudi Urchell

November 10, 2024

Regina was a beautiful person inside and out. My family was lucky enough to have her as a neighbor and friend for many years in Long Grove. She had a warm and charming personality and was an ever gracious hostess. She introduced me to vegetarianism and love for animals. (I remember her fostering a cat who was a new mother with a litter of kittens in the pool house!) She was a sweet and kind person and I give my sincerest condolences to Caroline and Phil and their families. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nicole Nava

November 10, 2024

Our sincere condolences to you Caroline and Philip and families. Glad she got to enjoy her grandchildren, even for just a little while. May the memories of her stay in all your hearts. I know she will in ours. She always was a classy lady and we had lots of fun with her and your dad in our younger years with the Young Swiss Club of Chicago. She is now pain free and again with the love of her live Xavier. Love and hugs to all of you.

Peter and Jsabelle Herdeg

November 6, 2024

We have such wonderful memories of Regina, going back to the early 1980’s when we moved to Illinois. Philip and Michael became great friends with Regina serving as a stand in Mom, with many sleep overs for the boys. Ever the gracious hostess, we enjoyed times with her and Xavier. Regina was always willing and ready to help others, and also had a soft spot for animals. We have many fond memories of the times we spent together and miss her so much!

Ted & Linda Valenti

November 4, 2024

I was a little late finding Regina. In a Las Vegas airport, trying not to be annoyed about a delayed flight, we started chatting. Her brightness, love of animals, and her strong headedness were apparent immediately. I am happy that I had a glimpse of her. If I'm honest, the one thing that drew us together was our children. We each knew our love could be sloppy, sincere, maddening to our children, and the profoundest and most important aspect of our lives. I reach out to Caroline, Philip, their children and spouses, I feel I know you. You were never separate from Regina and to love her is to love you, so I do. I hope you find peace in stories and the knowledge that she is no longer in pain.

The pictures help me see a Regina I never knew and it makes me so happy. Thank you.

barbara allen

November 4, 2024

Dearests Caroline & Philip, words cannot express how sorry I am about the loss of your mother. I am so lucky to have such a long friendship with you Caroline, and as a result, in a sense become part of the family. As a kid, your mom was always so glamorous - larger than life. She took us on adventures, let us take over the kitchen to make our feasts, and encouraged us to enjoy the moment. As the years passed, she loved and encouraged us all just as fiercely - celebrating our milestones and doting on us and our children. She loved you both and your beautiful families very much. Her spirit and joie de vivre will live on through our memories of her and the love she showered on all of us. Sending you love across the miles, today and always. Xo Jennifer

Jennifer Coleman Schwarzkopf

November 3, 2024

Such wonderful photos, showing so much of her life! I wish I’d had the chance to know her better, but I love what she shared with me after Phil and Elspeth’s twins were born:
“We’re the luckiest grandmothers in the world!” I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother, and the children’s Gigi.

Margaret Vance

October 7, 2024

Caroline, Philip and family—we are sorry for your loss. We were very fortunate to spend some time with Regina this summer in Chicago. Her friendship with us spanned decades and we miss her very much. We know she is now at peace without pain and this gives us all comfort.

Ruth Nussbaumer and family

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