Liisa Sario Van Duyts

October 1, 1947 - September 11, 2022

Liisa Van Duyts died September 11, 2022 at age 74 in Berkeley, California.

She was born in Finland, moved to the United States at age 5, and grew up in Santa Monica, California. In her midteens she moved to London, where her daughter Kim was born, and the years spent there made her the Anglophile she remained for the rest of her life.

When she returned to America, her eclectic career path reflected her wide range of interests, adventurous spirit and vast curiosity. She was the first female train tester for BART at its inception; managed a crafts boutique where she restored antique quilts; worked several years as a corporate lawyer; then, as a middle school teacher which allowed her to share her passion for history.

Her wit and love of language was ever present in fervent intellectual conversations with friends and strangers alike, and underlined by her attendance at three National Crossword Puzzle Tournaments.

She stayed connected to her Finnish family, and eagerly looked forward to the many annual trips she, and her husband Alyosha, made there. They embraced the life and traditions at Revonristi, the 110 year old lakeside chalet where four generations of cousins gathered joyously, to eat crayfish from the lake, vegetables from the garden, and berries from the forest.

Like her Finnish family, she felt a special connection to the natural world. Her beloved, beautiful garden, and long hikes across England and Bavaria nourished her. She loved animals dearly, especially rescue dogs, and couldn’t walk down the street without stopping and talking to dogs that crossed her path.

She will be forever remembered for her extensive network of close friendships around the world which she nurtured with beautifully handwritten letters and postcards. A snail mail letter from Liisa was always eagerly awaited. A consummate hostess and superb cook, with her husband she created a home in Berkeley that made guests welcome and cared for.

Her five grandchildren were the light and loves of her life.

Liisa had a most generous spirit which shone through in everything she did in life.

She is survived by her spouse, Dr. Alyosha Zim; her daughter Kim Van Duyts and spouse Dino Ortenzi; her step-children Gabriela Zim Kremer and spouse David Kremer; Jake Zim and spouse Caterina Mercante Zim; and her beloved grandchildren Nathan Ortenzi Van Duyts, Isabelle and Theo Kremer, and Massimo and Lorenzo Zim.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of the United States.

Liisa Van Duyts died September 11, 2022 at age 74 in Berkeley, California. She was born in Finland, moved to the United States at age 5, and grew up in Santa Monica, California. In her midteens she moved to London, where her daughter Kim was born, and the years spent there made her the AnglophileContinue Reading

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We were friends (actually she was my boss, but we became friends). Liisa was a smart, funny and kind person. I have postcards from her that I treasure. Gentle start journey Liisa -- .

So sorry to hear of Liisa’s passing. I have fond memories of staying at her beautiful home, of her kind and hospitable nature and enduring spirit. My sincere condolences to Alyosha and all the family. Rest easy Liisa x

Heartbreaking and a reminder of how unfair life can be.

Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Liisa's spirit lives forever and will comfort you whenever needed.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Liisa Van Duyts . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of our wonderful friend. Sandi and Dennis

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Liisa Van Duyts . Plant a Tree

What a wonderful friend with great warmth and engagement. My wife and I living on the East coast regret that we didn't have nearly as much time with Liisa as we would have liked. But she does remain vividly in our hearts and minds.

I stated in my other tribute that Liisa and I never had a chance to play piano for each other. I play for her now: https://youtu.be/cOH39n8S5J8

LIISA SARIO VAN DUYTS Avid Suitor Analysis: this Naiad Slays Virtuosi she’s a Saturday Sail Vision in a Violist's Sunday Aria Validation, Sir, Say Us. Although my wife and I met Liisa only one time, we will never forget her breathtaking culinary talents in preparation of a scrumptious meal, nor the extent to which she and Alyosha graciously made us feel welcome and special in their beautiful home. The scintillating conversation eventually turned to music and the lovely grand piano in the center of the living room, though Liisa and I never had a chance to play for each other. Liisa’s mastery of language and her enthusiasm for crossword puzzles has inspired me to employ my own ardor for words in creating the free verse poem above. Each of the five capitalized phrases is an 18-letter anagram of her full name (displayed in the title). Liisa’s adventurous spirit lives on.

Alyosha: Sorry for your loss. I never met her, but she sounds like she was a fantastic woman, wife, mother, companion. I share your feelings of loss of a beloved spouse. Carl

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.