Elsie L. DeWall

ROCKVILLE, MD – After 91 years of a rich and full life, our loving mother Elsie DeWall was called home by God on March 14, 2021 while recovering from a hip surgery  and associated complications. 

Born Elsie Louise Durchlaub on October 25, 1929, Elsie grew up in the Bronx with her one brother Erwin.  Her German immigrant parents, Louise and Erwin Durchlaub, ran a family deli in the Bronx and enjoyed their life in America.  While attending Eagle Junior High School, Elsie was elected class president, a testament to her popularity.  She would go on to graduate from Walton High School in 1947. 

After graduation, Elsie took a job at the telephone company.  During a trip to Baltimore to visit her brother Erwin, Elsie would meet her future husband, Henry (Hank) DeWall.  Following a whirlwind romance, the two were married on October 24, 1953 and settled in Baltimore.  A year later, their first son Donald was born.  After a short time in Baltimore, Elsie and Hank moved to Lutherville, where they were blessed with two more children, Wayne and Lisa

In 1960, due to a new job opportunity for Hank, the family packed up and moved to Granby Woods, where they would live and raise their children for the next 52 years.  While living on Azalea Drive, Elsie completed many hours of community service through her involvement in the Laytonsville Women’s Club and Laytonsville Garden Club and Homemakers.  Elsie was a dedicated and faithful member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran church. 

The most important thing to Elsie, along with her relationship with the Lord, was family - her immediate family and her extended family of friends she and Hank met while travelling the world.  In 1999 daughter Lisa was married to Peter Bowers. Elsie and Hank were delighted to welcome a granddaughter into the family when Lisa gave birth to Elise Louise Bowers in 2001.  Everyone who knew Elsie knew she was a diehard sports fan.  She cheered on the Terrapins year after year, win or lose.   

After the passing of Hank in 2007 Elsie moved to The Village at Rockville, A National Lutheran Community where she was able to live an independent lifestyle and pursue her faith.  Elsie had nine wonderful years in her cottage on Wescott Place, where she continued to see her children, make new friends and watch her granddaughter mature into a fantastic young woman. 

Elsie is survived by her brother Erwin, sons Donald and Wayne, daughter Lisa and granddaughter Elise, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and scores of friends whose lives were touched by Elsie’s sunny and optimistic outlook on life. 

Elsie will be remembered on March 24, 2021 at 10:30 am with a memorial service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Due to covid restrictions, we ask that you view the service virtually.  Please log into http://goserve.net/dewall to view the service from your home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, 16420 S Westland Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

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