Elisabeth Hölscher Buxton

After a long and fulfilling life, our beloved sister Elisabeth passed away on April, 27, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.

Ever since her younger years Elisabeth dreamed of moving to the United States to pursue her personal and professional ambitions.

That dream was manifested beginning her journey in Charlottesville, Virginia teaching German literature and language at the University of Virginia. She continued her journey teaching in Tuscon, Arizona before finally settling at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.

Elisabeth’s passion for classical music was witnessed through her ongoing support for organizations such as the Spokane Symphony and Connoisseur Concerts, as well as the musical endeavors of multiple musicians of classical music.

During her final days, Elisabeth was not alone. We wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to Christina and her husband Steven, whose unwavering presence, kindness and devotion brought great comfort and peace in Elisabeth´s days. Their gentle care and tireless support were a true gift – not only to Elisabeth, but to all of us who loved her.

We are very grateful, that we were able to visit her some weeks before she passed away, to speak with her and to share our closeness, affection and assistance.

We will miss our sister and hold her in a loving memory!

In mourning:

Her sister and brother in law Jenny and Joachim Schmidt, Frankfurt/Germany

Her nephews Hayo Müller-Haje with family and Gregor Schmidt with Nadine

Her brother and sister in law Hennig und Angelika Hölscher, Oldenburg, Germany

Her niece Marie Hölscher, Stuttgart, Germany and nephew Jan Lukas Hölscher, Düsseldorf/Germany with his family and other relatives

Condolence cards can be sent to:

Jenny Schmidt

E-Mail: [email protected]

Otto-Schott-Str. 1

60438 Frankfurt/Germany

Hennig Hölscher

[email protected]

Duvenhorst 13

D-26127 Oldenburg/Germany

Commemorative acknowledgment for Elisabeth from Whitworth University’s Community

Dear colleagues,

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend Elisabeth Buxton, assistant professor emerita in the world languages & cultures department. Elisabeth passed away recently in hospice care, and after a long and private battle with cancer, she is now at peace. Her family was able to visit her earlier this year, and she was able to speak with them before her passing.

Elisabeth’s relationship with our university began in 1991, when she first taught as an adjunct. She joined the faculty as a regular (part-time) member in 1994 and faithfully served until her retirement in 2011, at which time she was awarded emerita status. A native speaker of German, she brought her rich cultural heritage, academic rigor and passion for language into every classroom she led. Elisabeth was a gracious and dignified woman, a dedicated reader of Der Spiegel, and a fierce advocate for her German language program.

“She was a steady leader, always ready with a word of wisdom or a masterfully subtle bit of humor. She was an exemplary teacher of language and a winsome advocate for all things intercultural. She could light up a room with her storytelling about global travels, Jan Term trips with students or her life growing up in Germany.” – Kim Hernandez

“Her wisdom and elegance shone brightly. May she rest in the peace and redemption of Christ.” – Bill Robinson

“Elisabeth was a thoughtful colleague and a friend who gave me the benefit of her expertise freely and often. She will be missed.” – Arlin Migliazzo

“She was a talented colleague and a loyal friend and will be missed by all of us lucky enough to have worked with her.” – Tammy Reid

At this time, there are no known plans for a formal memorial service. Colleagues are invited to take a moment to reflect on Elisabeth’s contributions to our community – her dedication to her students, her commitment to intercultural education and her many years of service to the university. We are grateful for her lasting impact on the world languages & cultures department and our campus.

Dr. John Pell

Provost and Executive Vice President

Professor of English

Whitworth University