Holocaust Survivor Sisters Reunite for ‘Last Time’ at Ages 96 and 100 After Years Apart in Forced Labor Camps

Helena and Barbara Perendyk’s remarkable journey of survival, separation, and reunion is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Torn apart during World War II, the sisters endured unimaginable hardships in Nazi labor camps, carrying the scars of their experiences into their later years. Their final reunion in 2024, arranged by the nonprofit Wish of a Lifetime, was not only a celebration of their bond but a deeply emotional farewell.

A Childhood Shattered by War

In 1939, when the Nazi regime invaded Poland, Helena was 20 and Barbara was 16. Forced into separate labor camps, the sisters lived through years of deprivation, isolation, and fear. Barbara described the grueling conditions to People: “We get up in the morning with empty stomachs, and we go to bed with empty stomachs and cold, no electricity.” For Helena, the nights were the worst. “The sleeping quarters were the worst. They had no places to put us,” she shared.

The sisters were subjected to grueling physical labor under harsh conditions, with little food or rest. Barbara recalled how the cold made survival even harder: “I just wanted a rest. Work [was] so hard, I was so cold,” she told People. For Helena, the lack of proper shelter and unrelenting hunger made life nearly unbearable. Both lived in constant fear, unsure of whether the other had survived.

The Psychological Toll of Separation

The psychological toll of their separation was immense. Helena, taken from the streets of Warsaw, had no idea what had happened to Barbara. “I didn’t know whether Barbara was alive or dead for three years,” she told Wish of a Lifetime. Meanwhile, Barbara endured the monotony of suffering, where each day was a fight for survival. “All I dreamt about was a life lived pain-free,” she said. Despite being apart, the memory of their bond kept them going.

A Miraculous Reunion

After enduring three years of separation and unimaginable hardship, liberation by American soldiers in 1945 brought the sisters a glimmer of hope. Helena searched tirelessly for Barbara in the chaotic aftermath of the war, unsure if she was alive. By a miracle of chance, they were reunited in 1947. “It was total serendipity,” Helena’s daughter, Helen Fee, told People. Despite the hardships and years apart, their bond was unbreakable.

Building New Lives in America

In the decades that followed, Helena and Barbara built new lives in the United States. Helena, who settled in Connecticut, devoted herself to helping Polish immigrant families. “We gave what we could, from clothing and household goods to food and money when needed,” she told Wish of a Lifetime. Barbara, who made her home in New Jersey, focused on her own family. She met her husband, also a survivor, during a train journey in Germany, and together they shared the resolve to rebuild.

Though their lives were filled with new beginnings, the sisters always remained close. They visited each other often and returned to Poland together in the 1970s to reconnect with their roots. Yet, as time passed, health challenges and physical distance made reunions increasingly rare. Helena, now 100, and Barbara, 96, both feared they might never see each other again.

A Final Reunion

Thanks to the nonprofit Wish of a Lifetime, which helps elderly adults make their dreams come true, the sisters were able to reunite once more. Helena’s daughter, Helen Fee, played a vital role in maintaining the bond between the sisters. As Helena’s health declined, Helen encouraged her mother to stay hopeful. “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 told Wish of a Lifetime.

In 2024, Helena made the brave journey from Montana to New Jersey, accompanied by Helen. When the sisters saw each other, they were overcome with emotion. They laughed, cried, and held on to each other, savoring every moment together.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Their reunion was bittersweet. As they reminisced, Barbara expressed a poignant truth to People: “This is the last time probably we see each other.” Helena agreed, adding, “I mean, our age and our health. This is 100% the last time.” Despite the joy of being together, both sisters acknowledged the reality of their situation. Helena reflected on the passage of time, saying, “When you get of age, you ache and pains all over, you figure it’s time to go,” she told People.

The sisters shared a spiritual connection, remembering their late parents. “I feel that our parents are watching over us,” Barbara said, her voice filled with emotion. For both Helena and Barbara, their parents’ memory was a comforting presence, a reminder of their family’s enduring bond.

A Legacy of Love and Resilience

The reunion was marked by moments of quiet reflection and joyful recollections. One highlight was a framed photograph from 1976, depicting the sisters during a trip to Poland. Looking at the image, Helena and Barbara were reminded of their resilience and the love that had carried them through decades of hardship. “It reminded us of how far we’ve come,” Barbara shared.

As the visit came to an end, the sisters embraced for what they knew would be their final goodbye. They expressed deep gratitude for the chance to reconnect. “Everything was perfect,” Helena told Wish of a Lifetime. Barbara added, “I was very, very happy. At our age, you have to say goodbye. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

A Farewell Full of Peace

Their farewell was filled with tears but also with a profound sense of peace. Helena and Barbara’s story is one of survival, love, and the enduring strength of family. Despite the pain of their parting, their bond remained unbroken. Reflecting on their journey, Helena said, “That’s life. And somehow, we survive.”

Their story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, hope and love can prevail.