Lotte Buff (nee Neuburger), knitter extraordinaire, passed away on Jan. 19, at the age of 103 years old. Lotte was born in Ichenhausen, Germany and emigrated to the United States with her family in 1940.
Lotte was introduced to her future husband, Fred Buff, while living in Washington Heights, New York. They were married in 1945, shortly before Fred shipped out to the Pacific with the U.S. Navy. In 1950 they moved to Paramus, NJ and lived there for 64 years. In 2014, Fred and Lotte moved to the Ring House, an independent living retirement home, part of the Charles E. Smith Life Community, in Rockville, Maryland.
Lotte was known to be a knitter extraordinaire because of the more than 70 hand-knit sweaters, dresses, coats, jackets and suits she made for herself during her adult life. She also knit for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As Lotte’s health was declining, her daughter, Janice Balin, considered options for the disposition of these beautiful hand knit garments once her mom passed away. She considered high end consignment shops or thrift shops, but none of these options seemed appropriate for her mom’s collection. Shortly after her mom passed away on Jan. 19, Janice developed the perfect way to share her mom’s love for knitting with people who loved her and appreciated her skill.
The Buff family planned a celebration of Lotte’s life at the Ring House. At the celebration, all of the sweaters were brought to the meeting room where the event was taking place. The sweaters were displayed on multiple tables around the room. As the residents entered the event they were invited to choose a sweater to own. Rather than selling the sweaters to the residents, the Buff family asked the residents to make a donation to the Iris Music Project, a musical group ensemble that works entertains residents at the Ring House. Lotte enjoyed the Iris Music Project’s weekly programs. The IMP is a non-profit organization that integrates professional musicians into retirement communities, nursing homes, and other healthcare institutions.
At the celebration, Lotte’s son, Gary Buff, shared stories of his moms life in Germany before WWII, and her many years living in New York and New Jersey. Janice spoke about moving her parents to Maryland to live closer to family. The Iris Musical Project Trio performed a few musical numbers at the celebration. Before the program ended the residents were invited to share their thoughts and memories about Lotte. Many spoke about what a beautiful, elegant, classy woman she was, always wearing one of her hand-knit sweaters.
By the end of the celebration, most residents left the room with a memento of their dear friend, Lotte. The Buffs were so touched by the overwhelming love shown by the residents to their mom and the family. A few days after the celebration, Janice was walking through the lobby of the Ring House and saw 3 residents wearing her mom’s sweaters. The moment was bitter-sweet, seeing others wearing her mom’s sweaters, but feeling joy in knowing that hand-knits were rehomed to people who will cherish them for years to come.
The Buff family wishes to thank the Ring House staff, Vica Carpio, Lauren Latessa and Joanna Owen for making the celebration such a successful, beautiful tribute to their mom.
