Our memories of Berit
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For those of us at Untours, there are no words to describe our love and sorrow at the passing of Berit Greutert.
For me personally, I believe that, 30 some odd years ago, if it had not been for her amazing graciousness, her love of fun and, therefore, her trust in the oddball, Harold Taussig, and his crazy idea of Untours, we would have never gotten this unconventional travel company off the ground. But her role as one of the founding hosts of Untours is a tiny drop of what she means to us.
Like Vance, I have lost a combination of mother, sister and most amazing friend. Every molecule of Berit knew joy and knew how to meet every situation with her incredible fun-detector. Everyday, I look at my life differently because of her, and see if, no matter what the circumstances are, I cannot find some laughter or kindness that I can add to the situation. I could not have known how to infuse that spirit into all of life had I not had the privilege of living in Berit's house for many summers. She has been my north star of happiness. Her death brings sadness, but it does not rob me of the gift she has been to my life.
If you knew Berit, we would really love it, if you could add a comment here on this discussion, or upload a picture (just click the tiny icon of a camera at the top of the comment box) . If we assemble all the memories, all love that so many of us felt, into one spot, it will help us remember that, in the most lasting ways, she is not gone from us, nor as long as we remember her, will she ever be.
Marilee Taussig
For those of us at Untours, there are no words to describe our love and sorrow at the passing of Berit Greutert.
For me personally, I believe that, 30 some odd years ago, if it had not been for her amazing graciousness, her love of fun and, therefore, her trust in the oddball, Harold Taussig, and his crazy idea of Untours, we would have never gotten this unconventional travel company off the ground. But her role as one of the founding hosts of Untours is a tiny drop of what she means to us.
Like Vance, I have lost a combination of mother, sister and most amazing friend. Every molecule of Berit knew joy and knew how to meet every situation with her incredible fun-detector. Everyday, I look at my life differently because of her, and see if, no matter what the circumstances are, I cannot find some laughter or kindness that I can add to the situation. I could not have known how to infuse that spirit into all of life had I not had the privilege of living in Berit's house for many summers. She has been my north star of happiness. Her death brings sadness, but it does not rob me of the gift she has been to my life.
If you knew Berit, we would really love it, if you could add a comment here on this discussion, or upload a picture (just click the tiny icon of a camera at the top of the comment box) . If we assemble all the memories, all love that so many of us felt, into one spot, it will help us remember that, in the most lasting ways, she is not gone from us, nor as long as we remember her, will she ever be.
Marilee Taussig
Tags: berit
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary E. Darmstaetter on -
What a sad day in Boston, when I learned of Berit's passing. My first Untours was in Studio Albert, August 2004. Yes, Berit was truly fabulous. She and Albert are the reason I have returned to Sachseln every year since. Outstanding memories of Berit: Homemade bread (still warm from the oven), homemade jam and many other extras in that little fridge! Many evenings chatting on their balcony. Berit's smile as she called out the kitchen window: "What did you do today". Bringing me extra cake from whatever party. As the single traveler, including me in many things, which made me feel extra specially welcome. The flood of August 2005 -- we could not have the Untours farewell party due to train tracks being washed out, so Berit invited all the Untourists staying in Sacheln (11) to their home for dinner! And the list goes on. Berit had a good long run and touched many hearts; now my heart goes out to Albert -- the one who will miss her most. I lift a glass of Fendant in their honor!
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Permalink Reply by Bill and Marge Hill on -
It is with a sad heart to write about Berit in the past tense and when we are only 2 1/2 weeks away from our fifth Untour in Sachseln. But it is with a very happy heart to have known her and called her a close friend for 11 years. We will miss the sound of her happy voice when we called each other on birthdays and anniversaries and sometimes just to say hello.
In 1998 we were finally able to go on an Untour and booked our stay with the Greuterts as recommended by our friends Bob and Irene Busch who had stayed twice previously. It seemed to be fate that Berit, Albert, and Elisabeth became instant friends (I imagine all of you have felt the same). We learned quickly that Berit was full of life and one of her favorite things was a bowl of ice cream - preferably with some brandy over it!
And our last picture of Berit on June 17, 2008 the night before we left for home not knowing all will be only memories, albeit pleasant ones, from now on. Berit said not to cry for her but we will, and when we do let it be cries of joy at having the privilege of knowing her.
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Permalink Reply by Brian on
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(message from the Mitchells)
My daughter- in law, Grand daughter and I we were guest at there beautiful home. We arrived in Sachseln were they pick us up. As they warmly greeted us, I made a greeting in Swiss. What a surprise for them. Yes, I was Swiss and could talk in there Language . Oh, Albert sad , I don't have to speak all the time in English. They invited us to his famous "Alpler Magronen Gratin".I still remember the taste.
There son Erik knew my Brother in Basel. What a coincidence. The world is really small.
We never will forget the warm hospitality. Looking out from the Kitchen window, saw us coming back from a trip and had a glass beer and pop ready. and asking how the trip went.
All our hearty Sympathy to you Albert and the Family love Trix , Kris and Kelly Mitchell
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Permalink Reply by Bill Kover on -
May 4, 2004. It was our farewell party, our last meal with Berit. I got to sit next to her. She made Black Forest cake for dessert. Somehow she had found out that I love Black Forest cake.
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Permalink Reply by jerrysandy on
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We never stayed in Saarnen but as Beirit was the "honcho" when we first started coming to the Heartland many years ago, we naturally knew her, and to have known her is, as others have said, to remember her fondly forever. If she were not on the train from the airport meetings, we always hung out the train window at Saarnen to spot Beirit meeting her guests. On our first visit, one Sunday morning Beirit drove us from the Saarnen station to Stalden, high above, to attend out first yodel mass, the first of many we have sought out while in the Heartland. Truly she was the spirit of Untours and we are saddened to learn of her death. Sandy and Jerry Nolan
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Permalink Reply by Lance & Chris on -
Amazing to see how people were touched by meeting Berit. Including us, who have a few moments of video we would like to share with others. Our best to Albert, Elizabeth and the family, wonderful people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cNft7M4iPg
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Permalink Reply by Marilee Taussig on
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thanks so much...I am sure some hours went into the editing to find these little snippets of Berit. We appreciate it!
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Permalink Reply by James S. Leggett on -
Our first Untour was to CH where we had the great fortune to stay in Sachseln at the Elizabeth. We had already met Hal at the Zurich airport and we all arrived being met by Berit and Albert. This was the beginning of one of the most wonderful weeks we have ever spent in Europe. Berit was the most gracious hostess along with host Albert. She made us feel like we were old friends who had returned for a visit. The Christmas after our visit we received a card announcing the birth of their latest great grandchild which just happened to be born on the same day as our first grand daughter. December 2nd. That just seemed to make our connection with Berit and Albert more meaningful. Our thoughts are with Albert and the family at this difficult time.
Jim Leggett and Joy Anderson
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Permalink Reply by Susan Eisner on
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In July '03 as a single woman, when the fires raged elsewhere in Europe, I went on an Untour to Switzerland and stayed in Studio Albert with Berit and Albert Greutert. Each evening after returning from my day out, Berit and Albert and their family would dutifully sit with me and help me plan out my next day's sightseeing plan. Had it not been for their patience, kindness, and working hard to get me to understand their English, my trip would have never been as wonderful as it was. I was welcomed into their family, and went to several of their personal family gatherings and dinners. There was the the Yodel mass, the fondue dinner, the boat ride, the farmland home where they whipped up a great meal and I came face to face with the cows and met a woman who climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro. When I got home to New York, Berit called me to see if I had lights and electricity after a blackout, and told me she had plenty of lights and that I should come back to Switzerland. To this day I still have her message on my answering machine. A warm, loving and very funny soul has passed into the universe, but shall always remain in my memory and on my phone. Thank you to all of you who posted pictures of Berit and Albert on this site. I send my loving thoughts and prayers to Albert and their family.
Much love and gratitude,
Susan Eisner - Attachments:
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EisnerPortrait.jpg, 12 KB
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Permalink Reply by Paula Ahlborn on
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The first place I stayed in Switzerland was with Berit and her husband in Sachseln. This was thirty-some years ago. Idyll was just getting started, and Hal needed a lot of luck and help. He found both in Berit. A Norwegian woman selling Idyll in Switzerland -- imagine! I have stayed in Switzerland some two dozen times since. Goodbye, Berit. You were the best!
Bill Ahlborn
Idyll #54
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Permalink Reply by Connie Brubaker on
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Lee & I spent 8 weeks with Berit & Albert during February, March & April in 1999. It remains the highlight of my Swiss vacations. I can never forget Berit's good will or Berit's home-baked bread delivered with her smile and good conversation; Berit's advice on shopping in Sachseln or traveling tips; the special tour by car to find Lee's Brubaker ancestors - Lee never forgot the beautiful country too and the thoughtfulness of both Greuterts; Berit's invitation to their church; the happy surprise of joining them on a local walking path; and a general aura that Berit was pleased that we were visiting in their apartment. I see her friendship as a gift of memory and I like to think I'm a nicer person for having known her.
Annabel Brubaker
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Permalink Reply by Bill and Marge Hill on
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A Year Later - Remembering Berit
It has been over a year now since we lost Berit, May 27,2009. But she has not, and never will be, forgotten in the hearts of all who came in contact with her.
Fittingly, Fran and Doug Douglas were in Sachseln for the one year anniversary memorial service. Fran and Doug were the first guests in a Greutert apartment and have been very close friends ever since. They were definitely the right ones to be there at that time.
On June 27 a Norwegian Concert was held at the church as another celebration of Berit's life. We were priviledged to be in Sachseln and attend along with a church full of people. Berit loved her Norwegian roots and would have loved the concert. Her youngest daughter Elisabeth sang in the choir and gave a talk about Berit. Elisabeth's daughter Michelle played the flute. Of course we could not understand the words but the feelings were not lost on us as we remembered our close ties and friendship with Berit and the whole family.
Here are a few pictures:
Elisabeth, Fran, Albert, Francy, and Doug
All of the above plus us. We came a day early and got to meet Fran and Doug after hearing about them for many years. We were happy to get to see Francy again too.
The bulletin board outside the church
The Memory Table for the service
Berit's Great-Granddaughter Samadhi. With a laugh and smile like that she might be another Berit. What do you think?
And here is where we went many times to talk to Berit and tell her we love her.
But these are what we will always remember
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