Elisabeth Carey

Elisabeth Carey of Littleton, Colorado peacefully passed away at a local assisted living facility surrounded by family on January 8, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born in Hollfeld, Germany on October 23, 1930, to Karl and Ursula (Schaberl) Demling. She had one brother.

After surviving World War II, she attended seamstress school and later met Mark Carey, who was serving in the US Army at Herzogenaurach, Germany. They were married in 1951. After Mark’s honorable discharge in 1953 they moved to his home state of Indiana and eventually settled in Elkhart, Indiana, where they raised their three children (Linda, David, and Maryanne). In 1983 she relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to be closer to her children and their families. In 2015 she moved to Littleton for the same reason. 

She was an expert seamstress and worked for multiple individuals, clothing stores, and bridal shops. Elisabeth also worked as a school food service worker, and her final job was at an Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop in Colorado Springs.

She was an excellent cook and enjoyed serving her family delicious German favorites. She enjoyed sewing (of course!), knitting, embroidering, crocheting, reading, and gardening.  

Elisabeth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mark, brother Adolf and his wife Gundi, and great-granddaughter Tayla Pethe. She is survived by her three children, Linda Pethe (Ken), David Carey, and Maryanne Hostetler-Davis (Jim); grandchildren Kyle Pethe (Sarah), Dr. Douglas Pethe (Amber), Ali Sterling (Justin), and Bryan Hostetler (Gina); nine great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Sadie.

Special thanks to the staffs of both the Manor on Marston Lake and All Seasons Health for their compassionate care. After cremation, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being managed by Drinkwine Family Mortuary in Littleton. 

Since Elisabeth was a 50+ year cancer survivor, the family requests that any donations be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society. https://donate.cancer.org/ 

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