LIS-MARIE BEHNKE, 83

Alice Marie "Lis-Marie" Behnke, 83, of Mission Viejo entered Heaven's gates at 6:35 pm on February 8, 2013.

Lis-Marie was born on August 13, 1929 in New York, NY. As a toddler, she moved with her parents to their native Finland, where she grew up on their family farm. At age 18, she returned independently to the United States of America and worked for insurance companies and banks in New York City. Lis-Marie married Walter Behnke (surviving) on November 19, 1955, and they shared a full and happy life together.

Also surviving are her brother Erik West of New Park, Pennsylvania; daughter, Annika West of Pacific Palisades, California; two sons, Carl Behnke of Nashville, Tennessee and Paul Behnke of Seal Beach, California; a granddaughter Christina Behnke of Brooklyn, New York and numerous cousins both near and far.

Lis-Marie's father and mother, Frank and Alice West, brother, Henry West, and granddaughter, Melissa Behnke preceded her in death.

A long time resident of Casta del Sol in Mission Viejo, Lis-Marie loved swimming daily at the pool with her husband, playing guitar and singing with the "Strummers", playing games with friends, and knitting with her granddaughter. An award-winning artist, she produced many oil and water color paintings over a period of 60 years and she shared her love of art by providing private art classes for many years in New Jersey. Lis-Marie was fluent in both English and Swedish and kept longtime correspondences with her friends and family in Finland.

Lis-Marie trusted in God's grace through Christ Jesus. She was an active member of Mission Lutheran Church of Laguna Niguel. Over the years, she shared her talents as a choir member at churches in Terjarv, Finland; New York City; Somerville and Oldwick, New Jersey and in California. Lis-Marie passed her musical gifts to her children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Mission Lutheran Church, 24360 Yosemite Road, Laguna Niguel, CA. Burial will be at Miramar National Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Lis-Marie was a kind and graceful woman who had an enormous love for her family. We are so proud of the life she lived and will hold her in our hearts forever.

"The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us." Psalm 115:12