Local Holocaust Survivor Helen Sperling Passes Away at Age 95

Helen Sperling of Utica has passed away at the age of 95. She was best known for traveling from school to school locally to share her story of life in a concentration camp and how she survived the holocaust. She was a symbol of strength and endurance and there aren't many people in our community that don't remember sitting and listening to her incredible story and wise words.

Helen immigrated to the United States in 1949 and on December 7th, 1952 she married another holocaust survivor Leon Sperling. She had two children and many grandchildren and they were the joys of her life. According to her obituary in the Utica OD,

Helen's life was centered on her family, community, synagogue, the survival of the State of Israel and the Jewish people, and remembering and teaching the lessons of the Holocaust so that it will never happen again.

Every time she would come to my school I would sit and listen intently to her tell her story so bravely. She was an inspiration to all and whomever was lucky enough to have heard this remarkable woman and learn from her life experience is blessed to have done so. Rest in Peace Helen. You're words, message, and memory will live on forever.