It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the sudden passing of our dearest Omi, Elisabeth Hau, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Elisabeth passed just as she told us she would, peacefully in her home while she was sleeping. Max said it best: “Omi always called her shots, and she called this one too.” Sadly, it was just too soon.

Elisabeth was a force to be reckoned with. Whether you knew her for decades or shared only one conversation, she made an unforgettable impression.

Born in 1938 in Munich, Germany, during World War II, Elisabeth grew up with her parents and brother both in Munich and at their beloved lake house in Herrsching. Her childhood and youth were filled with stories, more than we could ever have had time to hear. As a young woman, she courageously set out to see the world on her own, traveling as far as Egypt to stand before the great pyramids of Giza. When she returned, she went on to study hotel management and hospitality in Florence, Italy, where she lived for several years and became fluent in Italian, one of the four languages she spoke. Anyone who ever dined with her in an Italian restaurant likely experienced her switching effortlessly into Italian with the staff.

After earning her degree, Elisabeth journeyed to the United States for what was meant to be an extended visit. Her travels brought her to Newport Beach, California, where she met her husband, Sigmund Hau, and ultimately built a life and family. She was proud to become a U.S. citizen and to call Newport Beach her home for the next 63 years.

Sigmund and Elisabeth married in 1965 and purchased their Newport home in 1968. Soon after, they started their family, welcoming Andreas in 1971 and Christopher in 1974. Together, Sigmund and Elisabeth built several successful businesses, including The Bavarian Bakery in Tustin, Das Yogurt Haus in San Juan Capistrano, and finally Café Mozart, also in San Juan Capistrano, which they owned for nearly 23 years until Sigmund’s passing.

Café Mozart became more than a restaurant; it was a community. Many customers became lifelong friends, and it was there that Elisabeth and Sigmund developed strong bonds with the U.S. Marine Corps, as many service members from El Toro Airbase were regulars. Elisabeth cherished these friendships and was a passionate supporter of the military, always finding ways to give back to those who served.

At the restaurant, Elisabeth’s natural talent for cooking blossomed. She loved crafting daily specials and soups of the day, and after the restaurant closed, her kitchen became her new stage. She cooked for anyone in need, nurturing people back to health with her food and care. Family, friends, good food, and a glass (or two 😉) of red wine were her ingredients for happiness.

Her cooking was legendary, especially her alphabet noodle soup for her grandsons, Max, Dom, and Alex, and her elaborate Christmas dinners for friends. After Sigmund’s passing, Elisabeth was determined to teach herself how to bake and quickly mastered it. Her lemon squares, Christmas cookies, and cakes were adored by all and became her currency with so many.

Elisabeth was also an avid gardener, and her garden was her oasis. When she was not busy socially, she could be found tending to her many flowers, plants, fruit trees, and beloved orchids. She was very proud when she won a ribbon at the orchid club. And of course, we would be remiss if we did not mention her ongoing battles with the various critters that ate her fruits, vegetables, and avocados, most notably her archrival, the dreaded squirrel, which she once had the good fortune to spray paint pink.

Elisabeth lived by her own philosophy: eat organic, drink good alkaline water, exercise, put down your devices, get outside, use your brain, and stay social. She not only preached it but lived it fully. She was also never afraid to share her opinion. If she had something to say, she said it—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and always with conviction. To say Elisabeth was special is an understatement; she was unique, passionate, loving, and unforgettable. Her zest for life, sense of adventure, and courage shaped the life she lived so fully.

Elisabeth was incredibly patriotic and proud to be an American. Later in life, she became more active in politics and had a strong point of view on how she would run the country—and she wasn’t afraid to share it with anyone willing to listen, and even some who weren’t. She was an active member of the Republican Women’s Club in Newport and attended meetings regularly, where she developed many close friendships.

Her adventurous nature never faded. She continued to travel the world, visiting friends near and far. At 79, she even flew to Dubai by herself to visit a friend, and just last week she spent time in Idaho visiting dear friends who were former Café Mozart patrons. She especially cherished visiting her “kids,” Christopher and Brandi, and their three boys, Max (21), Dominic (18), and Alexander (15), in Maine, particularly during Christmas, which was always her favorite time of year. Her grandsons were her world, and they adored her. They will always remember her traditions and carry them forward in her memory. They will forever miss their “Omi.”

As Elisabeth leaves us for her final adventure, she will be deeply missed by her family and many dear friends.

Her love, laughter, and legacy will live forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation in memory of Elisabeth Hau. Your donation and dedication can be made online at https://dogood.t2t.org/ElisabethOmiHau (While making your donation, check the box to “dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.” and please be sure to include the memorium information with your donation.