CHULA VISTA, California — The Jewish community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Edith Palkowitz on February 2. A Holocaust survivor from Budapest, Edith’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to preserving history. Her passing marks the end of an era for those who knew her, but her impact on the lives she touched will be felt for generations to come.
Edith’s life story was not just one of survival but of strength and determination. She was a woman who spoke her truth fearlessly, whether in intimate conversations or public forums. Her voice was unflinchingly honest, and she was never afraid to express her feelings and beliefs. These traits made her a cherished mentor, confidant, and friend to many in the Jewish community.
Edith’s love for connecting with others was apparent in every aspect of her life. She was a frequent participant in social gatherings with her fellow Holocaust survivors, always ready to play cards or engage in lively conversation. She was particularly active in the New Life Club, where she fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among those who had shared similar experiences during one of the darkest chapters of history.
For many, Edith’s role as a Holocaust educator was invaluable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered her time and wisdom to ensure that students around the world could learn directly from a survivor’s story. In an interview conducted during the height of the pandemic, Edith shared her experiences and insights with students in classrooms across the globe. This interview continues to be a vital part of Holocaust education, used in classrooms at all grade levels to teach the lessons of resilience, history, and humanity.
Edith’s dedication to educating the next generation was rooted in her belief that the atrocities of the Holocaust should never be forgotten. Through her willingness to share her painful but important story, she ensured that young people could hear directly from those who lived through it, helping to preserve the truth for future generations. Her efforts were not just about recounting events, but about fostering empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to preventing history from repeating itself.
Edith’s passing leaves a profound void in the Jewish community, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered not only for her unbreakable strength and courage but for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that the stories of Holocaust survivors are never silenced.
As the Jewish community and the world mourn her loss, we take solace in knowing that Edith’s legacy will endure. Her words, her lessons, and the impact she made on Holocaust education will continue to inspire and teach for years to come. We honor Edith Palkowtz as a true beacon of courage, wisdom, and resilience, and we will carry her memory forward, ensuring that her story is never forgotten.
At her funeral, her grandson reminded all in attendance that while Edith had two “okay” children, Liz and Arthur, she was also a proud grandmother to five “incredible” grandchildren, each carrying forward her strength and spirit. It was a time of both laughter and tears.
The last photograph taken of Edith, on January 31, 2025, by Paul Nestor, serves as a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived.
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My Poem about Edith
Edith on the Hill
Edith on the hill, a name that echoes through time,
A soul forged in fire, yet destined to climb.
Her eyes once held shadows, but now they hold light,
A witness to darkness, but she dances in bright.
The Nazis could not break her will,
She walked through hell and now lies on the hill.
From ghettos and sorrow, she emerged with great might,
A whisper of resilience, burning so bright.
Through nights filled with silence, and days filled with pain,
She carries the weight, though no one can explain.
Each scar tells a story, each tear sings a song,
Of a world once lost, but her spirit lives on.
Edith on the hill, an angel through and through,
Never forgotten, her memory remains true.
She’s part of the earth now, part of the sky,
Her legacy is eternal, it will never die.
A flame in the darkness, an ember of grace,
Her light in our hearts, no time can erase.
So let us remember, and let us not stray—
Edith, our angel, will guide us each day.
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Sandy Scheller is a freelance writer and the curator of the exhibit RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust now at the La Jolla Library. She resides in Chula Vista.
Beautiful woman. Beautiful tribute.