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Julia Skalina Obituary
PORTLAND -- Julia Skalina passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on Dec. 13, 2010.
She was born on Feb. 19, 1925, in a small town of Tornala in Slovakia. She had a very happy childhood until the start of World War II, when she and her family were taken to concentration camps. Out of 24 close family members, she was one of four to survive what she called 'the worst hate crime of the 20th century.' She spent the last 13 years of her life going to schools to speak about the atrocities of Holocaust in an effort to ensure it would never happen again. In total she spoke over a hundred times and reached out to countless students with her moving account. She was an inspiration and a pillar of strength to all those who were lucky enough to know her.
She and her family fled from the communist regime on Dec. 13, 1968, to Montreal where they restarted their lives all over again. From there, her journey through life took her to Cleveland and Cherry Hill before she and her husband finally settled in Portland to be close to her granddaughters.
She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Koloman Skalina; and is survived by her son, Andre, his wife, Daniela; and granddaughters, Nicole and Karin.
The funeral services will be on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 12 p.m., at Levey Chapel, 471 Deering Ave., Portland. A period of mourning for family and friends will be held following the burial until 7 p.m., with services at 5 p.m., and on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., with services at 5 p.m., at Andre Skalina's residence.
In lieu of flowers, donations
in Julia's memory may be sent to: Holocaust and Human
Rights Center of Maine
Michael Klahr Center
University of Maine at Augusta
46 University Drive
Augusta, Maine 04330-1644
Julia K. Skalina
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Julia Skalina
4 Entries
Marilyn Winslow
January 8, 2011
I will always hold such wonderful images of this dear lady. We shared conversations about our families and the many different directions life takes us. Sharing these stories with lots of laughter and lots of coffee and cakes. Having coffee and cakes with Julia and her loving husband will always be some of my fondest memories. I only wish I could have had more. Her spirit, strength, smile and gentleness will be greatly missed.
Sandy Rand
December 24, 2010
My mother and Julia were childhood friends from the same small town in Slovakia, who against all odds survived the Holocaust. They both lost their entire families, and yet found the strength to go on and live fulfilling lives and raise families of their own. In their later years, they regularly had long phone conversations to share their respective memories of each other's parents and siblings, and in so doing, seemed to keep those spirits alive. Julia's legacy will be treasured and she will be dearly missed.
Joe Foster
December 16, 2010
I am truly saddened to read of the passing of this remarkable lady. Her gracious and gentle spirit belied a youth of unspeakable horror. Those with whom she shared her story will forever be touched that they met her. I was privileged to have her visit a breakfast honoring Kennebunk High School students who interviewed W.W.II vetrerans and those who had been interviewed. She had been interviewed and was a guest of her student interviewee. Everyone in the room was in awe of this humble lady. Afterward I received a note from her, thanking me for the invitation and saying that she felt a debt of gratitude to all those aged veterans in the room, for it was they--or soldiers like them--who saved her life so many years before. I treasure her note.
RN
December 15, 2010
One of the most interesting patients I have ever had the pleasure of caring for. May you rest in peace, sweet Julia. My thoughts are with you Andre and Daniela.
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