Elderly woman revives village pub after family loss
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In Wisen, Switzerland, 86-year-old Cecile Bitterlin reopened the “Sonne” pub after her son, the previous leaseholder, unexpectedly died in June.
For decades, Bitterlin worked in the hospitality industry and assisted her son at the pub for the last ten years. Following his death, she decided to resume managing the “Sonne” to avoid loneliness and maintain a connection with the community. Rita Nussbaumer, the property owner, supported Bitterlin’s decision and allowed her to reopen the pub in early August.
The “Sonne” is important to Wisen, a village near the Hauenstein Pass, because traditional meeting places like it are becoming rare. Locals appreciate the pub’s good food and company, and they admire Bitterlin’s energy at her age. Bitterlin currently handles much of the work herself, including cooking and baking, with assistance from Corina Schläpfer.
Though she enjoys the work and the pub is well-attended, Bitterlin views her role as temporary, intending to continue running the “Sonne” until Nussbaumer finds a permanent successor. She plans to travel once a new owner is in place.
