Elizabeth U. Laufer M.D.

Elizabeth U. Laufer M.D.
January 27, 1928 – June 11, 2022 (age 94)

Elizabeth U. Laufer M.D. “Sis”, 94 of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully at her home on June 11, 2022.

Elizabeth was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 27, 1928 to the late John J. Laufer Sr. and the late Elizabeth P. (Lory) Laufer.  She attended the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, graduating in 1946, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Chestnut Hill College in 1950.  Elizabeth went on to earn a master’s degree from Brown University in 1952, followed by a medical degree in 1956 from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Elizabeth established a very successful medical practice in Philadelphia with M. Concepcion Sauco, M.D. and served her patients tirelessly, until her retirement in 1986.  She was a devoted parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Philadelphia, then SS. Peter and Paul Parish in West Chester, and later SS. Simon and Jude Parish in West Chester, where she attended daily Mass.

Her most fulfilling vocation in life was being Aunt Sis to 18 nieces and nephews.  At family gatherings, the children would always seek to include Aunt Sis in board games, sing-a-longs, and games of wiffle ball.  She hosted many family events at her home, including Easter dinners and the annual tree trimming party at Christmas time.  As the kids got older, she insisted on hosting their bridal and baby showers.

Sis loved the Jersey Shore, spending summers in Avalon where she enjoyed daily bike rides, often with a niece or nephew tagging along.  Taking a slow boat ride through the back bays of Avalon was always a special treat for the children, as she helped them bait a hook and taught them how to fish.  Summer mornings were spent crabbing, while afternoons saw long walks on the beach.  Even rainy days with Sis were moments to cherish, whether doing jigsaw puzzles, learning to play Mahjong, or simply jumping in the puddles with Sis.

Whether at home, at the Jersey Shore, or on vacation, all of life’s activities took a pause at 5:00 pm, as Sis declared the opening of cocktail hour.  Every afternoon, this sacred hour was reserved for a Manhattan on ice, and all were invited to join her.  As we say, farewell to Sis, we raise a glass and offer a toast, “To a life well lived, and to the memories we will cherish forever”.

Sis is predeceased by her brothers, John Laufer and Joseph Laufer, her sister, Margaret A. Lenahen (“Peg”) and by her best friend in life, M. Concepcion “Conchita” Sauco, M.D.  Throughout her life, Sis embraced the children of her siblings, fulfilling the role of proud aunt to Patrick, Michael, Kathleen, James, Denise, John, Mary Joan, Robert, Jeffrey, David, Lisa, Stephen, Rose, Joseph, Mark, Elizabeth, Alyce and the late Timothy.  In her later years, Sis was richly blessed with 34 great nieces and nephews and 18 great, great nieces and nephews, with 2 more on the way. 

All are welcome to share in the celebration of Elizabeth’s life on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at SS. Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA.  Visitation will take place from 10:00 - 10:45 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am.  Interment later that day will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SS. Simon and Jude Church, www.simonandjude.org/memorial-honor-gifts in the name of Elizabeth U. Laufer, MD.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA 610.696.1181 www.DellaFH.com