Tribute To Dr. Rosa Stern

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 2

Tribute To Dr. Rosa Stern

By

Dr. HELEN HERVEY,

Oxford, England)

August 16 The recent sudden death of Dr. Rosa Stern will be deeply moured by the friends to whom she had endeared herself during the years she lived in Christchurch. She and her mother, who died in 1955, were refugees from Nazi persecution in Austria in the late 1930'5. Nazis entered the factory where Dr Stern was head of the research laboratory and abruptly dismissed all Jewish employees, who had to leave instantly. They also entered her home, and the hastiest arrangements had to be made for departure. When she spoke of these exeperiences she displayed the stoical fortitude so characteristic of her.

In New Zealand both she and her mother showed themselves adaptable in the highest degree. They dwelt not on difficulties but rather on what they felt they could be thankful for. Mother and daughter shared a common courage and spirit of cheerfulness.

Besides her scientific gifts, Dr. Stern was an accomplished linguist. She soon became fluent in speaking and writing English. She also knew Russian well, and several years ago acted as interpreter when there were Russian - visitors in Christchurch.

She had a deep love of music and was a familiar figure at Christchurch musical functions. She was herself trained as a violinist. Her intellectual interests were by no means confined to the scientific field. She was widely read in literature and also studied works in philosophy and social and political theory. Conversation with her on a wide range of subjects was rewarding and stimulating. She was a generous friend and always ready with help Eer memory will be cherished by those who knew her, and to have enjoyed her friendship was both a privilege and an enriching experience.