Our mom 88 yrs old would have been 89 on May 26th, passed away on May 21st. She has a story of survival and strength we’d like to share.
She was Born in Czechoslovakia and was there during the Nazi regime. She saw horror, she lived in fear, she was displaced with just the clothes on her back and escaped being raped by Nazi soldier’s. She was 8 yrs old when the war began and 14 when it ended. After the war the Russians took over Czechoslovakia. They lived amongst the ruins and ate whatever rations of bread and potatoes they could get. At the age of 15 her mother told her to go and find a better life. So she and her best friend escaped from the Russian occupied zone where in her travels came upon a Russian soldier with a rifle guarding the border to the American occupied zone. Luckily he had some compassion and also a daughter and let them both pass. A few years later at the age of 18 came to America through Ellis Island.
We wanted to honor her for her bravery and for being a survivor of the most horrific event this world has ever seen. She became an America citizen not knowing a bit of English but learned it quickly got a job in a Philadelphia factory and started her family. Even after all the horror she went through growing up she was the most giving, loving, happy and sweetest person you want to meet. She was the strongest German woman I ever knew and I we will forever be grateful we had her to call our Mom 💗 so proud of our Hero 💗
Elfie is survived by 2 daughters and their husbands, Linda and Alan Hoffman and Monica and Ralph Karp.
4 grandchildren, Christopher, Ryan ,Corey and Nick, 2 great grandchildren Ryan Jr, and Nolan
A sister, Renata Espich and 2 nieces, Britt and Lynne.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers Elfie's family requests memorial contributions in her memory to Stafford Township Animal Shelter
Condolences may be sent to www.shinnfuneralhome.com
The Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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