Obituary of Elsa Mann

Elsa Elizabeth Eichinger Mann Potticary Mann

3/24/1933 – 2/14/2020

 

Born in Cranford, New Jersey, to Mathilda and Joseph Eichinger, Elsa was the youngest of five children. She was raised almost as an only child, since her closest sibling was 10 years older. She had a happy childhood, surrounded by her family, living in the home above her father’s blacksmith shop.

 

As soon as she graduated from high school, her desire for travel and adventure took her across the country, driving to San Francisco to live with her sister Anne. Elsa thrived on the cultural experiences in the big city. Following her heart’s desire, she studied voice and ushered at the San Francisco Opera house.

 

In 1953 she met her first husband, Michael Mann, a Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. After a “whirlwind romance” conducted partially via old-fashioned mail correspondence, they were married on July 25, 1953. Over the next six years they had two daughters, Cynthia and Pamela, and a son, David.

 

The thriving family moved to Beaverton, Oregon, on May 5, 1961, and Elsa focused on raising her children. She found comfort and support in joining the local Christian Science church, where she became an active member. She was also involved in community organizations, including a professional engineers wives’ group and a floral/gardening group. She learned both stitchery and needlepoint, soon leaving the traditional forms behind to explore geometrics and more creative designs. She taught needlework classes in local yarn shops as well as at Portland Community College.

 

Elsa kept up her love of music by attending performances of the Portland Symphony and the Portland Opera, as well as singing solos at local Christian Science churches. She encouraged her children to study music as well: voice, guitar, piano, cello and flute.

 

Elsa and Michael took the family on annual road trips to see the sights and landmarks around the Western States, including three family reunions in Colorado. After Michael passed away in 1973 and her children had left home, she became a tour director for a San Francisco travel agency, Peck-Judah. She led themed group trips to destinations all over Europe and other countries – including the Holy Lands, China, Australia and New Zealand. Traveling and meeting people all around the world gave her much joy and she thrived on these adventures.

 

Elsa married her second husband, Bill Potticary, in 1979. They had 21 years together until he passed in 2000. After she sold their house in Southwest Portland, she moved to a condo in the Tigard community of Highlands. She thrived over the next 13 years, becoming very active in her community. She used her social planning skills on the travel committee, organizing local adventures for her neighbors. She published a monthly newsletter and loved keeping everyone informed and connected.

 

In August 2016, Elsa left Highlands and moved to McMinnville to be close to her daughter Pamela. She kept up with her friends in the Portland/Tigard area, and they visited her often.

 

Elsa is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Cohn Rude; her son and daughter-in-law, David and Loris Mann; and her grandson, Marshall Payne, whose mother, Cynthia Mann Payne passed away in 2008. Elsa’s family invites her friends and relations to celebrate her life Friday, May 15, 1-3 p.m., at the Highlands Clubhouse at the corner of Peachvale St. and 129th Terrace, Tigard, Oregon.

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