100-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor living in Montana Granted Wish to Reunite with Sister One Last Time

Helena, Mont., Nov. 19, 2024 – In a heartwarming and emotional reunion, 100-year-old Holocaust survivor Helena Stefaniak was granted her greatest wish: to reunite with her sister Barbara one last time. The sisters, who survived the horrors of Nazi Germany’s occupation of Poland during World War II, were reunited last summer through the efforts of Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of AARP dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of older Americans.

Source: Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

Helena and Barbara, born in Warsaw, Poland, enjoyed a beautiful life until the Nazis invaded in 1939. After their mother’s death when they were young, the two Catholic girls were sent to an orphanage run by nuns in Warsaw, the Polish capital. The girls were treated well and were happy. They looked forward to weekly visits from their father.

Helena’s youth was tragically interrupted by the German Nazi occupation, forcing her to continue her education in a clandestine homeschool setting. In 1944, she was abducted from the streets of Warsaw and sent to a German forced labor camp, followed shortly by Barbara.

Despite the brutal conditions, they survived and spent years searching for each other after the war, finally reuniting in 1947 in the most joyous moment of their lives.

Helena and Barbara eventually moved to the United States, where they built new lives. Helena settled in Connecticut, found love with John Stefaniak and together they raised a child. Later, they moved to Montana. Meanwhile, Barbara made her home in New Jersey.

Photography by Dina Averuk Photography; source: Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

The reunion in Newark last August marks the first time in years that the sisters have seen each other in person. They speak daily by phone, nurturing a connection that surpasses geographical boundaries.

Helena’s declining health made travel difficult, but with the aid of Wish of a Lifetime, she was able to make the journey to see her sister one last time.

The sisters shared their memories of growing up during the Nazi occupation, recalling the oppression, hunger, and persecution they faced. They emphasized the importance of remembering the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of 6 million Jewish people and millions of others, including Polish prisoners of war and those deemed enemies of the Nazi regime.

Photography by Dina Averuk Photography; source: Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

During Helena’s visit, the Wish of a Lifetime team surprised the sisters with a particular framed photograph from 1976. Depicted are two beautiful, courageous young women who had just returned to Poland for the first time since WWII.

Looking at the picture, Barbara and Helena were reminded of the enduring power of love and family, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Helena, age 100, and Barbara, age 96, treasured every moment of their heartfelt reunion. Without knowing when they might meet again, this time together was absolutely precious to them.

Helen, Helena’s daughter, shared how meaningful it was to see her mother and aunt connect once again.

“She was afraid she wasn’t able to do it, but she did. She went through all the emotions on the trip. She is a very strong person and rose to the occasion,” Helen said.

“Everything was perfect,” Helena said of their sweet reunion. Barbara also expressed deep gratitude for this chance to connect with her sister.

“I was very, very happy,” she said. “At our age, you have to say goodbye. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

This reunion, made possible by Wish of a Lifetime, is a testament to the enduring strength of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit.

 Grant a Wish, Change a Life

Founded by former Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom in 2008, Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of AARP, has granted over 2,700 wishes nationwide, averaging 300 per year. The organization believes that everyone should be able to age with hope and joy, empowering wish recipients to fulfill their hopes while reconnecting with the people and passions that matter most to them.

Nominate someone you know, or submit your own life-changing wish. Wishes are submitted via an online application form. Anyone can submit a wish, and all applications are reviewed carefully by our wish team. To submit a wish, donate or find out more about Wish of a Lifetime visit: wishofalifetime.org