Pauline Staman

Pauline Staman, 96, passed away on October 18, 2025. Pauline

was born in Velký Bočkov, 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).