Elisabeth Jurkowitsch

Elisabeth Jurkowitsch, age 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.,

in the comfort of her bed. She lived a full and remarkable life, and for the past 25 years, she

showed incredible strength and resilience as she faced Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Elisabeth was born in Austria and immigrated to the United States at just 18 years old,

traveling alone by ship in pursuit of the American dream. She left behind her family, friends and

her country. It was on that journey that she met her husband, Henry Jurkowitsch. Together,

they built a life in Ridgewood, Queens, New York, where they raised their three children:

Monica, Anita, and Arthur.

At the age of 52, Elisabeth became a widow. With strength, determination, and love, she raised

her children on her own. Later in life, she moved to Selden, New York, to be closer to her

grandchildren, Daniel and Mary, who brought her immense joy.

Elisabeth had a deep love for animals. Her beloved dog, Roxy, who passed away just a few

months ago, was her constant companion and rarely left her side. She also cared for a stray cat

she lovingly named Bootsie, who was part of her life for over 12 years.

Elisabeth was known for her kind and giving heart. As a caregiver, she spent many years caring

for others in their final stages of life, offering comfort, compassion, and dignity. She truly had a

heart of gold. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and memories—especially

during family gatherings and barbecues that were cherished by her children and their friends.

Elisabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her husband, Henry

Jurkowitsch.

She is survived by her sister, Anna Schmidt, and her brother, Joseph Reiner; her children,

Monica Jurkowitsch, Anita Spreitzer, and Arthur Jurkowitsch; her grandchildren, Mary

Jurkowitsch and Daniel Jurkowitsch and wife Lauren; and her great-grandchildren, Jake, Cade,

and Callie Jurkowitsch. She is also survived by her niece, June D’Antoni, and her nephews,

Joseph and Francis Reiner.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Paws 4 the Cause,

Inc. (animal rescue) at www.paws4thecause.com or 859-962-8256, or to the Alzheimer’s

Association at www.alz.org