Jewish custom names babies after a family member who has passed. When I was born, my grandfather asked if I could be named after his youngest sister, Paula. Being named after her and keeping her memory alive remains a great honor to this day.
Paula has always been the motivation behind my genealogical journey. I finally pursued my research, overcoming years of parental discouragement rooted in their belief that all records were lost. I proved my family wrong, made jaw-dropping discoveries, and revived my family’s memories.
Through my research, I put bits and pieces of Paula’s story together. She was born on 26 December 1928, in Vienna Austria. The youngest of six children, she grew up in the Leopoldstadt district within walking distance to Augarten Park. When the annexation of Austria took place, Paula was only nine. She witnessed the Gestapo take over the girls’ school steps away from her home. The Gestapo turned the school into a collection camp.
In 1939, Paula said goodbye to three of her siblings as they departed to the United Kingdom (two were on the Kindertransport). She witnessed her eldest brother’s deportation from Vienna to Nisko, and her father moved through multiple camps. She witnessed her community’s struggle to find enough food for survival. She didn’t know whether she would see her siblings or her father again.
On July 17, 1942, 13-year-old Paula, along with her mother and paternal grandmother, received an order to appear at School Compound, 2a Kleine Sperlgasse in Vienna. At 5:30pm she departed from Vienna’s Aspangbahnhof on transport number 32, train 69. Paula was transport number 205. The train arrived in Auschwitz the following day. Paula, along with her mother and grandmother perished shortly after their arrival.
I shared my research progress with a family friend after making significant breakthroughs. She suggested making genealogy my career. I researched genealogy education online and discovered IIGS. In December 2014 I began working on the Canadian Records Certificate Program and graduated with my PLCGS in 2017. I’ve recently graduated from the DNA and Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program and am planning to further my genealogical education.
I call my business Paula’s Footsteps, in honor of my great aunt. I can follow her footsteps and continue to walk them for her. I’ve been a professional genealogist for nine years and am excited to see my business grow. The team at IIGS has been very supportive with their heartfelt desire to see their students succeed.
International Institute of Genealogical Studies
Research With Confidence ~ Study at Your Own Pace
International Institute of Genealogical Studies trains professional genealogists around the world in genealogical sciences, research records, and professional development skills. As a career trade school, we offer Professional Credentials in 14 genealogical fields of study for career-minded genealogists and classes for family historians wanting to preserve genealogy, history, and knowledge for families and friends. Continuing education for librarians, law enforcement, professionals, and writers to enhance your career and capabilities. Come learn with us in a flexible, affordable, professional online education environment.
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