Separated by War, Reunited by Love: 100-Year-Old Survivor Sees Sister Again

In a heartwarming reunion, 100-year-old Holocaust survivor Helena Stefaniak fulfilled her deepest wish: reuniting with her sister, Barbara, one final time. This poignant event was made possible by Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of AARP dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of older Americans.

A Bond Forged in Adversity

Born in Warsaw, Poland, Helena and Barbara experienced a joyful childhood until the Nazi invasion in 1939. After their mother’s early passing, the sisters were placed in a Warsaw orphanage managed by nuns, where they found happiness and eagerly anticipated their father’s weekly visits.

The Nazi occupation abruptly disrupted their lives. Helena continued her education clandestinely at home. In 1944, she was seized from the streets of Warsaw and deported to a German forced labor camp; Barbara faced a similar fate shortly thereafter. Despite the brutal conditions, both sisters survived. After the war, they spent years searching for each other, culminating in a joyous reunion in Germany in 1947.

New Beginnings in America

Post-war, Helena and Barbara emigrated to the United States, seeking new beginnings. Helena settled in Connecticut, married John Stefaniak, and they raised a child together before relocating to Montana. Barbara established her home in New Jersey. Despite the physical distance, the sisters maintained a close bond, speaking daily by phone.

A Final Reunion

As Helena’s health declined, her desire to see Barbara once more intensified. With Wish of a Lifetime assistance, Helena traveled from Montana to New Jersey for a heartfelt reunion. The sisters reminisced about their shared experiences during the Nazi occupation, reflecting on the oppression, hunger, and persecution they endured. They emphasized the importance of remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust, which claimed millions of lives, including those of Jewish people, Polish prisoners of war, and others targeted by the Nazi regime.

During the visit, the Wish of a Lifetime team surprised them with a framed photograph from 1976, capturing their first return to Poland since World War II. This memento served as a powerful reminder of their resilience and the enduring strength of familial love.

Helena’s daughter, Helen, expressed profound gratitude for the reunion, noting her mother’s strength and emotional journey throughout the trip. Both sisters cherished every moment of their time together, aware it might be their last meeting. Barbara conveyed her deep appreciation, stating, “I was very, very happy. At our age, you have to say goodbye. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”