Theresa went to England in 1939 and died on November 23, 2000. Wilhemina died of heart attack at beginning of war. My mother and brother Max were deported to Riga, Latvia in November, 1940 and were later shot there. My father died in 1926.  I lost my entire extended family.

My husband and I left illegally for Belgium in 1938, then to a refugee camp, Camp Vallon en Sully bei Montlucon.  I was pregnant with my daughter and had little nourishment. We journeyed to Nice until Germans occupied it.  My husband and I went into hiding in Vanc (pronounced Vonse), France. Our daughter, Jeanette was born October 19, 1940.  We were hidden in an attic by French people for one year.  My daughter was hidden elsewhere.  We stayed in a cellar, with rats.  We sewed to help support ourselves.

If they hear some rumors, they should believe it and take all the precautions that they can or able to take.  Rumors, we never believed it was so very bad in Germany.  Do something; help yourself before it’s too late.