Gisela Lehovec

Gisela Lehovec, 88, died at her home in Philo, Ill., on March 14, 2013. She was born Oct. 29, 1924, in Marburg an der Lahn in Germany to Ernst and Marianne Baars. She was educated as a librarian. Gisela immigrated to Long Branch, N.J., in 1949. She married Kurt Lehovec in 1952. The two moved to Williamstown, Mass. Gisela devoted the next two decades to raising their four daughters. She worked as the children's librarian at the Bennington Free Library in Vermont from 1972 to 1994. She was renowned for her skills as a storyteller and literacy advocate in the state. Many still remember her as the person who taught them to love reading. Gisela was deeply committed to her faith. She was a founding member of the Lay Carmelites in the Berkshire region for 54 years. Gisela moved to Philo, Ill., in 2004. She attended St. Thomas, where she served as Eucharistic minister and lector. She was involved with the local library, the Homemakers Cooperative Extension group and a number of adult learning programs such as Senior Odyssey. She swam laps daily at the Urbana Aquatic Center, where she made many friends. Her love for learning and adventurous nature continued to serve her all her life. She began watercolor painting in her 80s. A favorite theme was pastoral Philo, a community she quickly came to love. Gisela's strength and resilience shone brightly during her three-year journey with cancer. She inspired many with her courage, grace and faith. She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Juergen and Reinhard Baars, and her ex-husband, Kurt Lehovec. Survivors include her sister, Renate Griffin, daughters Susan Maher, Bettina Lehovec, Linda Lehovec and Marietta Tower, four beloved grandchildren, her sons-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Philo at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, with a visitation at 9:30 a.m. Donations may be made to the St. Thomas Catholic School library in Philo or the Central Illinois Food Bank. Sunset Champaign Urbana Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com