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Baerbel Bohley Obituary
The Robert Havemann Society, a group dedicated to the history of East Germany's opposition that Bohley helped set up, said she died of cancer.
Bohley, a painter who endured harassment by East Germany's secret police, and several others in September 1989 established New Forum. It became the most prominent opposition group in the final phase of hardline communist rule.
The group advocated free elections, greater openness in East German society and a free press.
East Germany opened its heavily fortified border on Nov. 9, 1989 after mounting peaceful protests helped undermine the communist government.
New Forum's importance faded as Germany headed toward reunification in 1990.
Still, Bohley and other activists that year occupied the archives of the Stasi, East Germany's secret police — ultimately helping ensure that the public would be granted access to them.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up in East Germany, said Bohley was "one of the important voices of freedom."
"For many, including for me, her courage and her directness were exemplary," she said. "I remember her as a personality who made possible the peaceful revolution and the road to German unity."
In 1996, Bohley said that what had been achieved in Germany since reunification was "less than what we dreamed."
"But it is far more than what we had before," she said.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
14 Entries
September 18, 2010
To Family and Friends of Baerbel Bohley,
What a hard worker Mrs.Bohley was, her great effort will not be forgotten by many. At this difficult time please find a measure of peace from the following thought:
Revelation 21:4-"God promises to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more".
The Grant Family
September 15, 2010
To the Bohely family and friends..... soon in the future God will set up a kingdom that will not be brough to ruin, Daniel 2:44 ...My deepest condolence
How you can show support
Tom Smith
September 14, 2010
May the God of all comfort, comfort the family and friends of Baerbel Bohley. We all can all look forward to seeing her again when the only government ruling will be God's kingdom and His appointed king Jesus.
Seidre Brunson
September 14, 2010
What I am feeling right now is hard to put into words. I never knew Baerbel Bohley , but reading her life story, I know she must have been a very hard working & dedicated Women. She is certainly in God's memory.
Markus Wolf, Jr.
September 13, 2010
The DDR will rise again and be even better thanks to Ms. Bohley. She has helped to make the best better.
Victoria~ VZj
September 12, 2010
May you rest with Serene peace
prayers go out to her family
And all her circle of close friends..
In memory of such a life she lived..
Les Breese
September 12, 2010
The legacy of Baerbel Bohley will forever lie in her selfless efforts to bring freedom to the downtrodden and to inspire others who seek to break the chains of oppression throughout the world. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
edward jones
September 12, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
R Golay
September 11, 2010
To the the family of Baerbel Bohley - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Baerbel will be missed by many.
September 11, 2010
Bless you in the name of freedom for all you have done for others. Yes, God will have a special place for you. Rest in peace. Hazel, Macon, GA
September 11, 2010
PRAISE GOD FOR PEOPLE LIKE HER. WE ALL NEED TO SPEAK OUT WHEN WRONG IS BEING DONE.
Susan Haslam
September 11, 2010
God bless the memory of this freedom fighter!
Surely He has a special place in heaven reserved for Baerbel.
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