Elizabeth LoGiudice

Elizabeth LoGiudice, 84, of Harwood, Maryland, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully on September 5, 2023. Born to Peter and Anna Radl in the picturesque village of Gant, Hungary on February 15, 1939, Elizabeth and her family lived a good life farming the fertile lands and vineyards of north central Hungary as the Second World War broke out. She was strong in her Catholic faith, which she often attributed to the example of her father, whom she admired immensely. It was in those early years of Eastern Europe that Elizabeth learned the skills she would use for the rest of her life, as well as the value of hard work, dedication to family, and faith in a loving and merciful God.

As World War II came to an end, the Radl Family was suddenly forced, by Russian forces stationed in Hungary after the war, to leave the only land they knew as home. Soon, they found themselves living in a post-war Germany in which food was scarce, and the outlook bleak. With no hope of ever returning to their homeland, Elizabeth’s father made the courageous and life-altering decision to apply for the process of emigrating to the United States. On December 17, 1951, departing from Bremerhaven, Germany, aboard the U.S.S. General Entinge, Elizabeth, her parents, brother, Joe, and little sister, Theresa, began the journey across the Atlantic towards a new life in America. Elizabeth would often retell stories of the kindness of American soldiers on that transport ship and how they would share chocolates with the children. Almost 9 years to the day of that departure on December 13, 1960, Elizabeth received her Certificate of Naturalization and became a citizen of the United States of America.

The Radl family came in, as many immigrants did in the early to mid 1900’s, through New York City, and with a small amount of cash that a Catholic Charity Organization provided, they found a sponsor who allowed them to help on a farm in Harwood, Maryland. Ironically, that farm was just a few miles from where she lived out the majority of the final two decades of her life. Over the next several years, Elizabeth would continue her schooling, learn English, begin working, get married, start a family, and establish friendships that lasted until the day she passed. She was known for her work ethic and worked for many of the grocery chains in the D.C. area including A&P, Cooks, and finishing at Shopper’s Warehouse as their Deli Manager. She developed a strong rapport with co-workers and customers. In fact, many customers scheduled their grocery shopping visits around her schedule.

Elizabeth soon met Joseph LoGiudice and on June 24, 1957 they were married. Elizabeth and Joseph were blessed with three boys and two girls. Elizabeth is survived by all five of her children: Anthony LoGiudice of Gambrills, MD (Catherine); Michael LoGiudice of Harwood, MD; Christopher LoGiudice of Crofton, MD (Cathy); Ramona Brooks of Dunkirk, MD (John); and Maria Krukar of Chesapeake Beach, MD (Stephen).

Elizabeth was the best grandma and loved spending time with her grandchildren! All of her grandkids experienced what an amazing cook she was, and each had their favorite dish she would make! Grandma always wanted to hand down and share her knowledge of cooking, crafting, canning, crocheting, gardening, sewing, or just relaxing with her grandchildren. She is survived by thirteen of her fourteen grandchildren. Listed in order of age are: Nicolas LoGiudice, Christopher Joseph (CJ) LoGiudice, Kelly LoGiudice, Gabriella Brooks Kierman (Ryan), Kyle LoGiudice, Will LoGiudice, Natalie Brooks, Sabrina LoGiudice, Alex Krukar, Joshua LoGiudice, Thomas Krukar, Melody Brooks, and Megan Krukar. Elizabeth was predeceased by her granddaughter, Samantha LoGiudice.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Joseph LoGiudice. She was also predeceased by her parents, Peter and Anna Radl, as well as sisters Rosa, Maria (Szunyogh), Anna, Katharina (Pecher), and brothers Frank, Peter, and Joseph. Elizabeth is survived by her sister, Theresa (along with husband Richard Eibel), her sisters-in-law Inga (Frank) and Mary (Joe), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Whether you knew her as Mom, Grandma, or Liz, she will be remembered for her sacrificial love, for sharing the fruits of her green thumb and hard work in her garden with friends and family alike (even taking some to doctor’s appointments), for hosting many family holidays and special events, and for attending as many Grandparent Days at schools as she could, including during college (in addition to dance competitions, plays, concerts, recitals, sport and church events). She will be remembered for Basket Bingos, Daily Walks (even well into her 70’s and at a pace that would impress Olympic athletes), the neighborhood “Breakfast Club”, her love of Andrea Boccelli, and oh, the delicious food we all got to enjoy!

Elizabeth’s story is a testament to God’s grace and plan for our lives and how circumstances neither define one’s character and fortitude nor determine their outcomes.

Information for Services of Elizabeth LoGiudice:

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church

8816 Chesapeake Avenue

North Beach, MD 20714

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Visitation @ 10:00 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial @ 11:00 a.m.

Repast immediately following in Padua Hall

Rite of Committal will be Monday, October 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20772.

The family would like to thank all who touched Elizabeth’s life and who’ve been so supportive during this time of loss and mourning.