Pauline Staman

Pauline Staman, 96, passed away on October 18, 2025. Pauline
was born in Velký Bockov, Czechoslovakia, the daughter of
Samuel and Chaya Berkowitz.
Pauline was the youngest of ten children. She had a happy
childhood, doted on by her parents and many siblings. That was
until her life was interrupted by the Nazi takeover of Europe. She
and many in her family were deported to the Auschwitz
concentration camp, where Pauline's parents and two nephews
were immediately murdered. She survived torturous conditions,
near starvation, and illness through strength, resourcefulness,
and luck. Freedom arrived in April 1945 when she, along with two
sisters, a brother, and her sister-in-law were liberated by
American forces. Two sisters managed to avoid the concentration
camps, while three other sisters were murdered.
After returning to Czechoslovakia, Pauline was flown to
Manchester, England, as part of a group of young orphans known
as "The Boys," though many were girls; it was organized by The
Central British Fund for German Jewry. There she was placed
with a local Jewish family. She lived in Manchester and Blackpool,
where she learned English and resumed her education.
Eventually, her Uncle Walter in Pittsburgh found her and
sponsored her entry into the United States.
After immigrating in November 1948, Pauline lived with her uncle
and her sister Rose, who had also immigrated to Pittsburgh.
Through a mutual cousin, Pauline was introduced to the love of
her life, Paul Staman. Following a whirlwind courtship, they
married at Temple Beth Israel in October 1950. During their many
years in Phoenix, Paul and Pauline were members of Temple
Beth Israel, Beth El Congregation, and Temple Chai.
Pauline kept busy raising three kids, being involved with various
charitable organizations and working for husband Paul, a home
builder. She led an active social life with many friends and family.
Her resilience and kindness touched all who knew her. She was
fortunate to enjoy a wonderful marriage for 72 years, until Paul
died just shy of 103 years old.
Pauline is survived by her children Marc Staman (Susan Getz),
Cindy Kleiman (Jeff) and Barbara Staman Wolff (Tom), her
grandchildren Josh Staman, Rachel Staman (Sam Ricci), Cheryl
Kleiman (Blake McLaren), Michael Kleiman (Karli Watland), Ilana
Wolff and Joe Wolff, and great grandchildren Max Ricci and
Penny Kleiman.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Phoenix Holocaust
Association (phxha.org) or the Hilton Family Holocaust Education
Center (hfhecaz.org).