Lisa (Liebschutz) Rozsa

August 17, 1917 – April 4, 2012

Born in the Czechoslovakia, Lisa was an independent and courageous lady–who died April 4, 2012 at the age of 94. Lisa suffered a stroke two weeks prior and was brave until her last breath, with her children’s love surrounding her.

Modern medicine worked wonders for her- two new hips, one new knee, and a stent – but it was her determination to survive, above all else, that allowed Lisa to find a way out of Europe as a Jewish refugee in the early years of World War 2 to create a wonderful home in Kenya with her husband, Imre Rozsa.

Imre, a talented Bauhaus architect, and Lisa were married for 52 years and raised three children, Eve Senn, Johnny Rozsa, and Julia Smith, who were brought up to appreciate nature and Africa’s wildlife. Lisa had a unique perspective on life, and brought her curiosity and adventurous spirit with her when she came to the US.

She was a devoted grandmother to Mara Senn, Tana Senn, Lana Smith and Daniel Smith and great grandmother to Ben, Rachel, Aaron and Seth. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Howard Smith, and extended family Chris Michaels, Kevin Flaherty, and Daniel Hale.

Lisa was an avid gardener and game player and also loved to entertain and socialize. She loved politics, Jewish life and cultural events and continued to attend as many of them as she could, even at age 94. She was well-known for her friendly and inviting demeanor, and had great skills in staying connected to friends and loved ones around the globe!

At her Maravilla home in Santa Barbara, where she lived independently, she enjoyed playing bridge twice a week, greeting newcomers to Maravilla in one of the many languages she spoke, and spending time with her family and friends. Lisa was a superb example of energy combined with brain power and will. We miss her already!