| Notes |
- BIOGRAPHY:
1. Kenny Petersen met her in Nice in 1985. Spouse: (Austrian); has a daughter, Lydie, living in Toronto. Per Irene Petersen, last surname was Hindzee and Volant before; she was in the French Army.
Irene Petersen notes in a 2014 email to granddaughter Martina Stotter: "She came once to Boise from Toronto to visit the Petersen family in the early 1960s. Her married names were Volant and Hindzee. She was 80 when I last saw her in Nice. I am now 81 and live in Anchorage, Alaska. Is your brother still alive and how about your mother Lydie? Your grand mother was daughter of Ivan a brother of my grandmother, I have a lot of pictures of him and his parents as well. I have a picture of you and your brother and your mom when you were little in Toronto. Where do you live? The last name was Herzenberg. Your other was French and her father was a Mayor in France."
2. Email dated 1/6/2016 from Martina Stotter who is Suzanne's granddaughter:
"l have many great memories from Oma (Suzanne). l visited her every weekend in Menton, when l was living in Cannes. l had a great time sharing her memories and enjoying her company. She was a very educated women. She spoke 5 languages -- Russian, French, Italian, Spanish & English. In her younger years days she was a ballerina, dancing in the Bolshoi ballet in Russia, then later in Paris for the very famous Ida Rubenstein. l have a number of pictures of her dancing. The last time l saw her was in 1995, when she had been hospitalized in Sospel the same town she had been living in for 15 or so years. She did not recognize us, so conversation was very limited. It was shortly after that she passed away in 1995. She was not buried as per her wishes but cremated. Suzanne lived a very long and adventurous life. From Ballerina to Translator of secret documents in the French army, a mother, and a nurse caring for the sick. What a wonderful life, what wonderful experiences she must have had. l keep all her pictures, and letters in memory of her."
Later email from Martina provides the following dates for her parents:
Lydia Louise (Volant) Stotter -- December 6, 1930 - May 5, 2005
Albert Stotter -- March 28, 1927 - Sept 3, 1992
Email dated 25 Feb 2016 concerning Martina's recent discovery of her Jewish heritage:
"All the information l am hearing about and gathering is amazing! l never knew. As a matter of fact, l only ever heard my mother mention that we had a cousin [Alice Nikitina] that was a famous ballerina, and that her brother was a famous tennis player. l did not know her name or any other details. When l lived with my grandmother Suzanne in the south of France, she showed me pictures of her brothers and mother. The oddest thing was whenever the picture included her father his face was blacked out. l remember asking her why -- she would never answer me. She never told me her true maiden name -- not even my mother knew."
3. The following undated paper was written late 1969 in Nice, France by Catherine Werblovsky Olympieff (also known as Ekaterina Werblovskaya Olympieva) at the request of Patrick Landau through his aunt Alice Nikitina. Patrick's father, Vladimir Landau, even though he was Catherine's cousin, had less knowledge on the family then Catherine. Catherine was the granddaughter of Edouard and Rebecca Herzenberg. The letter was written a couple of years before Catherine's death after she entered into an assisted care facility in Nice. The paper was recently found among personal items previously gathered about 1969 by her daughter Irene Nadia de Lanskoy Petersen. Portions of the letter were written in three languages: English, French, and Russian. Irene, in transcribing the letter, notes that the letter was hard to follow and to make sense of. Irene's transcription dated 31 Jul 2007 with her notes added in [ ].
"What concerns the father and mother of our mother's: Mother's father: Edouard Ocipovitch Herzenberg [or Gerzenberg] Edward son of Joseph Herzenberg born: in Mitava [or Mittau] not far ___, Baltic Provinces - not far from Riga. He died at 76 years of age (had diabetes and malaria) from lung congestion after flu. His wife was his cousin.
Rebecca Herzenberg also married a first cousin. I am not sure of the name of her father; she died in Moscow when I was 6 years old (70 years ago). [Death would be approximately 1899?]
They were probably married in Mitawa and came to Moscow young, because all their children were born in Moscow. The eldest 1) Elizabeth 2) Sonja [or Sonia] (Sofia) mother of Manja or Mania who now lives in Moscow, who had a sister Nadja or Nadia who was born in Moscow. Sonia's husband was Adolf Schneider - son of Aaron Schneider - who had 3 more sons: Nicolas, Alexander, Serge and a daughter Elizabeth Schneider. She got married with Martin Behr (English nationality); they had two children and lived in Moscow. Mrs. Elizabeth Behr died in London (after the Russian Revolution she lived in France, later in England.) Her brother Adolf Schneider was a brother-in-law of our mother's of course.) [This is a repeat of the above.] The Behrs had 2 children. Elisabeth Behr died in London (probably her husband Martin Behr died before.) Mrs. Behr's daughter Olga died in London about a year ago [1968-69?], her brother George Behr still lives in London is married (has 1 daughter who is married too and has 2 boys, 8 and 7.
So my mother Elisabeth was the eldest daughter of Edward and Rebecca Herzenberg born in Moscow like her sister Sonia, the next sister Flora born in Moscow. Flora, married Joseph Offenbacher, had one son Lotar (my first cousin as well as yours). She, her husband, and son died in Germany during the war of Hitler (son Lothar). [Irene notes that another family account says that Lothar committed suicide on account of the war.] [His father] Joseph Offenbacher had an older brother Vasily [William or Wilhelm] Offenbacher who married a cousin of our mother's - Fanny, daughter of Abra[ha]m (whom all children of Edward Herzenberg used to call Uncle Abraham.) He was the husband of Grandfather Edward Herzenberg's sister Theresa. His family name was also like all: Herzenberg. Theresa Herzenberg had many children - daughter Fanny, sons Ludwig, Harry, and 2 other sons and another daughter Sophia married to another Herzenberg (all those marriages were between cousins) who had three children, Robby (Robert) who lives in Sweden and 2 daughters Clara and Roberta (died in Riga - Bolshevik Revolution). [I am not sure if Clara and Roberta are correct for this family grouping.] After Flora Herzenberg, the 4th daughter was my Aunt Anjuta [Anna Herzenberg-Landau]. Then there was another one Genga (Eugenie) married Harry Taube from Riga - were killed by Hitler's army. She was the 5th daughter of Edward Herzenberg. The 6th was Lilja [Lilia] (1st wife of Uncle Max Landau - died in Davos, Switzerland from TB.) Then was another daughter Milja, died very young (she was the 7th daughter). The youngest daughter Tonya [Tonia] died in Moscow. Then there were two brothers, the oldest Ivan (John) married a French young girl from Mussidan, Dordogne, France. She was daughter of the Mayor of that town. Died in the north of Russia where - she was sent sick and was sent with her to Mourmansk (north of Russia). Uncle Vanja's [Vania, Ivan, John all same name wife Lydia died there [note her maiden name was Lydie Buisson]. Uncle Vanja died too in Bolshevik Revolution. Their 3 children: Micha (Michel) died probably in Moscow; his brother Andrei (Andre) Herzenberg and Suzanne Hindzee (Herzenberg) - 1st husband (French) Volant. She has a daughter in Toronto married in Toronto (Alja [or Alice Nikitina] knew her) who has two children, boy and girl. The father's family name is A. [Albert?] Statter - wife Lydie (Suzanne's daughter) - son Albert. [Irene's note: last known address was 33 Stonegate Road, Toronto, Canada, M8Y-1V8; phone 416-251-6295.]
There was yet other families related to us through our mother's. It was a well known dentist. His name was Kovarsky. His wife was the cousin of our mother's. They had a lot of children - 3 brothers Misha (Michael), Leva (Leon), 2 daughters Choura (Alexandra). Chura who now is same age as Suzanne [Herzenberg Hindzee] - the only one alive. I forget the name of the eldest brother deceased. Manja (Mania) in Moscow knows more about that family. What was the name of the mother cousin of our mother's-probably it was yet another of the Herzenberg family. As Alja [Alice Nikitina] will be going to Moscow she will be able to find out more form Manja [Mania]. Then there was yet another family related to the wife of our grandfather through the husband or wife Idelson. There was a girl Lisa Idelson and her brother. I think that Manja must know something about them. They lived in Moscow. I used to go see them with my mother when I was about 8 or 10 years old.
Now George Behr has written from London thanking me for my sympathy condolences on account of the death of his sister Olga Behr. She must have been older than 78 years. he thought that his aunt on his father's side, Nina Karlovna died in Moscow, as well as his cousin Leija, but I think it is relatives on the side of his father Bahr, and the cousin is perhaps of the Schneider family (it is possible that the cousin is still living). All these people lived in Moscow.
Now what concerns the Packschwer family. The one that came to see you with the Vietnamese wife has passed away. His name was Julien Packschwer born in Vitebesk, Russia. He was 72. His younger brother Saveijn (Sahva) engineer in London named himself Packshaw, died in England 3 weeks before Julien, leaving a widow (2nd marriage) and 2 children. It was the death of his younger brother that caused reaction on Julien Packshwer. He died 3 weeks after him. He was found on a street in Nice, France with a cerebral hemorrhage-fell in the street. Police took him to the hospital St. Rock where he died at 19 hours in the evening and remained in a coma. His car 2 CV (small) stayed in the parking where he had left it. It was only his Vietnamese wife [Mado] returning from Saigon 1 month after his death that was able to retrieve that car from the parking. Yet another day or two, it would have been impounded. But as it was the widow herself then came. They did not charge her anything. But as the car was her husband's-she has to wait by inheritance law to be able to sell it and divide up in 4 parts to his children. The eldest son of another marriage Leon is an eye doctor in Paris, then 3 other children. Oldest Robert in Montreal, CA; another son in ___ was in the navy for 3 years. The oldest was in the Air force, married a girl from Morocco - they are going to have a child soon. The daughter Irene married, has a little boy, the husband is serving in the military; they live in Cayrons near Vence, France in the Packshwer house. The widow/mother Mado inherited ¼ of the sum, the children ¾ divided in 4 for each of the 4 children. Through a real estate in Vence, Julien's house of 1000 sq. meters is worth 18 million francs. If the children keep the house, they will in turn need to give on fourth of the cost to the widow who also has the right to half of his monthly pension of 30,000 francs. She came to see me day before yesterday and told me all these details. So here you have it-the relatives. The mother of the Packshwer father was 1st cousin of our mother's through the daughter of the sister of our grandfather Edward Herzenberg maiden name Theresa Herzenberg died in Nice, born I think in Mitawa [Mitau], Baltic Provinces. She was buried with her husband in Nice at the Caucade cemetery.
Now I add what George Behr wrote from London that his wife Janet has seen Aunt Anjuta [Anna Herzenberg] in Monte Carlo, then he wrote about his cousin in Moscow who he thinks has passed away (he is going to find out about it from Manja-he asked their address in Monaco). She was the daughter of the oldest sister Polina Aronovna of his mother. Here is what concerns that family... [Balance of letter missing]."
4. Email dated 1/20/2016 from Martina Stotter :
"My mother was born in Strasbourg, France, December 6, 1930.
My father was born in Innsbruck, Austria, March 28, 1927.
They were married in Innsbruck Austria, in the spring of 1948.
Jean Volant was my grandfather never met him since he was divorced from Suzanne. He was a musician and travelled the French coast playing violin & clarinet in a band. l believe they divorced in 1938. He died in 1978 after being involved in a car accident and spending several years in a insanitarium.
The story l heard regarding Suzanne's husband Hindzee was that he was an officer in the French army. The marriage was arranged so that Suzanne could escape from Russia."
5. A note sent to Kerry Petersen to set up an appointment to visit while Kerry was an LDS missionary in Nice, France:
"Menton, 14 Feb 1974. Dear Kerry, What a great surprise to see you in France. I very much hope that you will come see me, if this card arrives in time. You will be able to find me this Saturday after 2 p.m. at home at Riviere [Palace], I will wait for you until 5 p.m. If you are not able to come this Saturday, then come any day in the following week. I am always available after 2 p.m., but I would prefer to receive you next Saturday, the 23rd, because it is the opening of the Carnaval, and there will be a parade with floats decorated in lemons and oranges. And especially because on Saturday you will be able to meet my grandson Robert, who has come to France to learn French. He is actually in a school in Cannes, where he boards, but he visits Menton nearly every weekend. His family lives in Toronto in Canada. We will be able to converse and even go to the Carnaval, Kerry you will be able to tell me of your life and the latest news of Irene and your family. Then, until we soon meet, dear Kerry. I am happy to see you. Affectionately, Suzanne Hindzee"
6. 1957 New Year's greeting card from Suzanne Hindzee to Irene Petersen. Image is on FamilySearch. The card is hand painted by "LV" who is certainly Lydia Volant, who also adds a note to the top of the next page. Lydia is Suzanne's daughter. Anjoute is Anna Herzenberg Landau. It is there first contact after Irene left for America. Translation:
"Dear little Irene. [Added at top:] Best wishes for a good year from Lydie. I was happy to receive your nice card which gave me great pleasure. I am happy to finally know your address because I had learned from Aunt Aniute that you were gone to America. But I did not know the circumstances of your departure and that gave me concern that you left all alone so far away. Also I am happy to know that you are happy, because you deserve it. You have done well to write to me since I take interest in all you do. Have you any news from Nice? Aunt Anjoute has not written to me about your mother -- I am going to write to her directly. Write to me, tell me about your life and if you need any special service, I will do my best to do it. I wish you meanwhile lots of happiness, and health in the year 1957, that you will be happy and joyous. I wait for news and hug you with all my strength. Your aunt Suzanne."
7. Christmas greeting 1958. Image on Family Search. "Dear Irene, I am writing to you from Canada. Your mom probably told you I have left to rejoin my daughter Lydie who lives at Scarborough near Toronto. You see that I will not be far from you. I am eager to know about you and your family. I hope you are happy because you deserve it. Here we are working hard. News from you gives me pleasure. Have a great Christmas and lots of happiness in the year 1959. Your aunt Suzanne. Write me: 39, Thornbeck Drive, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada."
8. Christmas card postmarked Dec. 7, 1959 from Mrs. S[uzanne] Hindzee, 356, Quebec Avenue, Toronto W. (Ontario) Canada to Irene Petersen, 1020 Gramercy Avenue, Ogden, Utah. Image on FamilySearch. This would have been when Irene with her three children returned from France:
"Dear Irene, I wish you a Merry Christmas in returning from Europe, as well as lots of happiness and health to you and all your family. I think that your mom told you that I had come here [Canada] to rejoin my daughter. Canada pleases me well but I love France more. I hope to have good news from you and perhaps to see you again one day. How old are your children? Lydie has two children; boy and girl, 4 and 2 years old. Aunt Anioute [Anna Landau] wrote to me that you have some beautiful children. I am happy for you. Affectionate regards from your cousin (or aunt) Suzanne Hindzee."
9. Letter dated 19 Feb 1960 from Suzanne Hindzee to Irene Petersen. Images of original on FamilySearch:
"Mrs. S. Hindzee
356, Quebec Ave
Toronto W
Toronto, February, 19, 1960
My dear Irene,
I cannot thank you enough for your nice letter, which reading it brought me great pleasure. Also, through your account, I am able to better know your life.
I understand that you yearn to come back to your American home, after tasting European life and seeing mom again in this charming region of Vence.
Unfortunately, life and material needs lead you and bring you, [French idiom “vous mènent et vous aménent”, in English it would probably be simpler such as “lead your way”], where we would expect the least to go.
Me too I can’t keep from yearning all the more as I am getting to know and acclimate to the American way of life. [page 2] However, what matters the most is the world we are creating or what is being created around us. And this world is your new family, your dear children (who I would like to meet), as for me, my daughter, and my grand-children’s [world] whom I love so much and for whom I continue and strive to live here.
Me too, I would be happy to see you again, since we are both on the same continent. I think we could get to meet each other, sometime in the near future. If you come here, it is very easy except for the matter of your children and the consequent travel costs. On my side, it would be easier for me to travel, being alone. Yet, my work hinders me as I started to work here in October 1958 (almost one year and a half] at Toronto General Hospital. [page 3] (My material situation obliges me). I cannot go away more than 3 days in a row (if I am “off”). But in summer I will have holidays 2 weeks + 2 days = 16 days. On this occasion, I intend to rent a cottage “up North,” in the region of the Georgia Bay. Or maybe instead, in those [regions] with non-freezing water lakes such as the water of Ontario, so that my daughter can come there with her 2 kids Robert 4 ½ years old and Martine who will be 3 years old in June. It would be wonderful if you could join us with your children. What do you think about that? I expect to do that in the month of August. If this would be doable for you, please send me your suggestions.
I would also be happy to receive on that occasion, a little picture of your family as I send you a picture of my daughter and her two children.
[In margin page 1] I sent a Christmas card to Katiocha your mom, but I did not receive an answer, which is quite unlike her. Has she changed addresses?
[In margin page 2] I will always be happy to hear from you and to write to you, though on my end, I often keep quiet, being usually very busy. Indeed. I am waiting to read more about you soon, and in the meantime, I hug you as well as your dear little ones, and forward my friendly greetings to your spouse and your family. Your cousin, Suzanne Hindzee.
[In margin page 3] Dear Irene, before I leave you, I have to tell you I often think about you because I have very good memories of you. You still are for me this charming little girl, so courageous that I used to know and who is now in her turn a brave mom…”
10. 7 Feb 1962 Letter from Suzanne Hindzee to Irène Petersen. Images of original on FamilySearch:
Envelope postmarked 16 Feb 1962 from Toronto and addressed to Mrs and Mr Jack Petersen, Hi-way 30 Motel, 7121 Fairview, Boise, Idaho, U.S.A. (address crossed out and forwarded to 7040 Rosewood in Boise.
"Mrs. S. Hindzee
40 Cadorna Ave.
Toronto 6
(Ont) Canada
Dearest Irene,
I was very happy to receive your nice Christmas card, most of all because it was bearing at latest news from you. I was asking myself how you were doing, worried that your silence meant some misfortune or hassles came your way, keeping you silent. Nevertheless, I was not quite angry at you, knowing that anyways with your three little ones; you must not have a lot of free time. I do not know if I should congratulate you for the change happening in your life even though the new situation of your husband will most certainly relieve considerably your financial burdens. However, [page 2] I can guess you regret leaving your old house, which you built through so many sacrifices and where you had your routine. So tell yourself that it is essential. Your children are growing and they will need more space… and you will get used to it and perhaps love your new place. New beginnings are always difficult, we fell isolated, knowing nobody, but little by little everything changes. That is how it went for me, though under different circumstances, since I was already older when arrived here. And I had to reorganize my life in a very different way than what I had forecasted, and I had to work in totally different conditions. However, I stay here because I love my daughter and my grandchildren, and I am afraid to be kept apart from them maybe forever. For you as for me what keeps me here is my family. As such, I would be greatly happy to see you again after so many years and changes, since we are on the same continent. If I were free, I would not hesitate to fly to Boise and get to know your charming little family and hug you all from the deepest part of my heart. Alas, the impediment [to that travel] comes from [page 3] my work at the hospital. It is very rigid; I could maybe take holidays for 4 days in row, because we get 2 days off per week. To get to Boise from Toronto it takes one day, leaving at 1 p.m. from Toronto to Chicago, then Salt Lake City, you can get to Boise by 9.50 p.m. I guess it’s even longer taking the railway. But maybe we could meet again this summer. I will be on holidays for 2 weeks (16 days). I would have liked to invite to spend these 2 weeks in the cottage I intend on renting, as I have been doing for the last 2 years at Wasaga Beach, on the coast of the Georgia Bay. It would be fun for the children who are mostly all of the same age. Robert is now 6 years old, Martine 4 ½ years old. I could watch over the children while you and Lydie go out in the evening to the movies or wherever. For you, it must be easier to come by car. I know there would be the cost of gas, but since you [page 4] would be invited, it could work as a compensation. What do you think about my idea? On my side, it looks quite attractive. Lydie will also be very happy to see you again and for the children it will be quite a treat. Wasaga is a very nice place for kids with a huge sand beach and swimming is safe. G. Bay is very large and looks quite like the Mediterranean. What do you think about that? If you make the decision to accept my offer, just tell me so I can rejoice. I can take holidays in August (at the beginning). What are your plans and those of your husband? I hope you will give me a heads up. How is your Kerry? I hope his throat ache went away and everybody is in good health. [I hope] your construction ended happily and that you feel good now in your home in Boise. I will be waiting for news from you my dear little Irene and my thoughts are with you.
[In margin] Give my kisses to your little ones and friendly feelings to your husband that I will be happy to meet. Your Aunt Suzanne."
11. Letter dated 3 Jul 1962 from Suzanne Hindzee to Irene Petersen in Boise, Idaho. Irene and family had just moved from Ogden, Utah, to Boise, Idaho. Images of original on FamilySearch:
"Mrs. S. Hindzee
40, Cadorna Ave
Toronto 6 (Ont)
Toronto, July 3, 1962
Dearest Irene,
It’s been long since I had some news from you – 6 months – since Christmas. I can imagine you have been very busy moving into your new house. Everything must be organized anew and it takes time to do it all. I hope you managed well and you are enjoying it now. How are you and all your family, I hope each one of you is in good health. Despite your silence, I heard from you through Katioucha (your mom). It’s her who [page 2] told me you were very busy. She also asks me if I can go see you before I go back to Europe. I would do it willingly, even though I have not decided yet the date of my departure. Alice, who wrote to me, asked if I could come in August. I do not think I would be able to go away so fast, since I still have to get rid of my furniture etc. I would be very pleased to see you before my departure, alas you are so far from us. It would take me a day to travel, even with the plane. I will get information from American Travel that I have not contacted yet. Don’t you think it would be better that we met at half point, as for example, if I went on holidays somewhere closer to you. I leave it to you for the best solution because I would really like to please your mother. And I would like to have the pleasure of meeting your husband and your two children. While waiting [margin page 2] to hear from you, I send you my kindest hugs to share with your children. Friendliest thoughts to your husband. Kindly yours, your cousin (aunt). Suzanne.
[In margin page 1] If you can, write my address in the envelope (when you answer me) in typed letters or with a typewriter, because here if the address is not written correctly, the post office does not get the letter through.”
12. Letter dated 27 Jul 1962 from Suzanne Hindzee to Irene Petersen in Boise, Idaho. Suzanne had visited Boise and this letter was written on her return to Toronto, Canada. Original on FamilySearch:
Toronto, July 27, 1962
Dearest Irene
I am writing to you directly upon my arrival to give some news about my return trip. I traveled with the train in rather good conditions (besides fleas who feasted on me) next to American navy sailorman probably off duty. He was very well educated and I could sleep in peace. I spent the rest of the time in the “Dome,” eating the delicious food that you prepared so nicely for me. Therefore, I avoided lunch and dinner in the dining-car and only went there for breakfast because I had quickly run out of tea.
I arrived in Chicago slightly late at 10:30 a.m. and it was already 11:30 a.m. C.S.T. in Chicago. As it was, when I arrived at the Greyhound station, there was only one hour to wait for the departure of the bus to Toronto. I had to [page 2] pay $17.70 -- more expensive than Canada because of the taxes. Moreover, I had to change busses in Detroit where they stopped for lunch in a charming town (all the road between Chicago and Detroit is beautiful, the landscape is charming and bucolic, with shaded villages on the shores of rivers and lakes). As I reached Detroit, I was left with 60 cents, which I spent on a coffee and a turtle toy for my little ones. I arrived at home by 4:00 a.m. and fell asleep. …. This afternoon, I had to start over and it did not start well. I called at that school where I wanted to follow a course that would have granted me a diploma though modest still a Canadian one. Alas, they told me my English skills were still insufficient and that I was too emotional. Infuriated I replied that I become very emotional when people are offensive, because without exaggerating I understand [page 3] that all this is only used as a pretext, because as we say in French, “They are prejudiced against me and since they are stubborn they did not want to back down.” All that would not have affected me, but I know that somewhere else I would be even more handicapped due to my age. Indeed the hospital is my only resource. Everything is against me staying in Canada. I phoned Lydie, she seemed happy to have me on the phone, but she told me she does not feel the courage to do anything, because she has to renounce to so many things in her life, that right now she gives up without even trying. You can imagine what I have felt when I heard these dreadful confessions. She would have liked to go see Robert on Sunday, visiting day for the children at Illahee Camp where he is staying since July 22. However, her husband cannot. I offered her to come with me but then she has to leave her husband alone on Sunday, and she does not dare to do that. What a misery!
[page 4] I went to the Toronto railway station to get a refund for the unused train ticket from Chicago to Toronto. They promised they would send me the refund in 10 days. So that in order to go see Robert in [Coboug?], I had to borrow money from my landlady, all the banks being closed. With all that, I am so sorry I could not send you back the money from Chicago. I was fortunate you provided me [with some money] because without that I would have had to wait for the train in Chicago, which would have completely exhausted me. I hope you did not have money troubles because of me. I felt remorseful with everything that happened, and I will never thank you enough for your kindness and your warm welcome. In addition, even with my current impecuniosity, I do not regret my trip, that allowed me to see you again and appreciate you. On my return from Boise I thought a lot about you and I find you have “un beau caractère” [French idiom meaning a strong personality in a positive way, literally in English “having a beautiful personality”.] and a certain maturity in your reasoning [page 5]in all of your ideas, even a moral balance very rare among young people nowadays. What I like with you is your everlasting desire to elevate yourself, it is a strength within you that guides you maybe even without you knowing it.
As I was thinking about you, I came back, alas to all my concerns here, material and moral. My project with the certified nurse’s assistant’s school went astray. They rejected my application, under the pretext that my English level and other nonsensical stuff, but I guess it is my age that allows them to refuse me. All my hopes are gone and my further chances are nonexistent. I need to start winding up my stuff. See, I am writing and I am confessing to you as with a friend, since that is what you are [for me]. I would like you to write to me in the same way. I will send you pictures, if they turn out well as soon as they are ready.
[Margin page 5] I hope I can repay my debt to you when I become “replenished.” I will also check out for soap, French coffee and the [Katioucha?] record if I can find it. Please forgive my writing. Tired, I am writing in a very uncomfortable position.
[Margin page 1] After drowning you with my news, I can leave you while waiting for news from you. Thank your husband for me and forward him my best memories and friendliest feelings. Do not forget to kiss Karen, Kerry and Kris for me, whom I found very nice children. I hug you with all my heart (Peuchère!) [French idiom from Marseille, meaning “for sure”, it used to reinforce approval or underline a statement).
With affection, your Auntie Suzanne."
13. Letter dated 17 Aug 1962 from Suzanne (Herzenberg) Hindzee in Toronto, Canada, to Irene (de Lanskoy) Petersen in Alaska. Mentions the death Anjuta (Herzenberg) Landau. The letter mentions Alice, which it probably Alice Nikitina, but Alice did not die until 1978. Original image posted on FamilySearch:
"Dear beloved Irène,
I add these few words to your mother’s letter to explain to you that she sent me that letter by mistake. At first, I did not understand and I read it, sorry. I have not heard from you. I am going through a depression crisis, the passing of aunt Aniouta being a terrible shock for me. With her gone, disappears the last person who had a sincere and motherly affection for me, a soul in which I could confide in. I am feeling very much alone.
The other aunt Aniouta, she waited for the year of Alice to die – and I will not see her anymore. I am in great sorrow.
I send you my best wishes for your birthday and with the letter of your mum.
[Forward] my friendliest feelings to your husband and “kisses” to your two little-ones.
Kisses and hugs
Suzanne."
14. Original images on FamilySearch. This letter was written just after Irene moved to Anchorage, Alaska, from Boise, Idaho:
"Mrs. S. Hindzee
166, Sunnyside
Toronto 3
(ONT) CANADA
Toronto, July 18, 1965
My dear little Irene,
I learned from your mother that an unpleasant and unexpected event happened to you. Your mother and I think you also are unhappy because your life is disorganized, broken and you have to organize it, rebuild it again in unknown circumstances. I understand your distress and I am writing to let you know that in these harsh moments, my thoughts are with you and that you have my truest compassion.
Nevertheless, I hope that you will be able to be as happy in Anchorage as you have been in Boise, we never know where happiness awaits us. Your mom wrote that you will have trouble selling your house in Boise. Couldn’t you rent it instead of selling it at a probably unsuitable time. It could be possible that one day you may be happy to be there again. Because it is such a beautiful house and it is a shame to lose it.
[page 2] Of course, I find awful these forced transfers in a private company, and I did not know it was even possible. Let it be so [French idiom “Passe encore”, meaning literally “Let it pass again”, but in English the sense is more like “I understand this situation for” or “Let it be so”], for the military who already know better and whose transfers are justified by State policy and not private interest, which is a consolation for them however deceptive it might be. However, why keep complaining.
I wish you as much courage as you have ever had until now. That you may find satisfaction and consolation within your family. God keep you in His watch and bless you. Tell yourself that you are young and that it is only one episode in your life. Better days are waiting for you.
I kindly hug you, forward my best thoughts to “Jacques” [Jack], kiss your dear little ones without forgetting the little Catherine [Kathie]. I don’t forget you though you don’t hear from me.
Your aunt who loves you. Suzanne
I am leaving America on the 8th of September. I will be in Menton around the 20th. I hope I will see your mom again in good health. Write to me if you feel like it. I will be happy to get some news from you.”
15. New Years Card dated 23 Nov 1985 from Suzanne Hindzee to Jack and Irene Petersen. Images of original on FamilySearch:
"Nice, 23 Nov. 1985. Dear Irene and Jack. Merry Christmas to you and all your family and also a very happy and peaceful New Year 1986. With my best wishes and kisses. Suzanne. Dear Irene, Thanks for your cards and the photos. They are good memories for me. Also I was happy to ___, as well as your husband and your "cadet" [son?]. I think you are pleased about your trip. So many memories for you. I telephoned Nevoussia and I [regret?] to having bothered her, she must think I am a pest. Here we have had a beautiful autumn until Nov. 15 -- Alas, at present it is going to freeze. I hope that your Christmas will be temperate. Your news gives me great pleasure. I hope all is well with you and your 11th grandchild has arrived [in the meantime?]. With my affectionate thoughts, I hug you amicably. Suzanne."
16. Manuscript in possession of Michael Landau of Monte Carlo as of 18 Sep 2023. Family history memories of Alice Landau also known as “Nikitina,” who was the sister of Vladimir Landau and the daughter of Anna Herzenberg. Translation is from French from two handwritten pages on one sheet of paper. Patrick Landau, Nikitina’s nephew, had asked her to write down what she recalled of the family history and descendants. The description is written after January 1970 because she writes that Constantin-Pierre died in January 1970. Editorial comments are [bracketed].
“[Page 1] My father’s side:
The father of my father was called Adolphe and he was born I think at Czenstohova (Poland) in 1830; he married around 1953 [misstated for 1853] my grandmother, who was named Régine. They had 4 sons and one daughter. The eldest son (1855) was Julien (Julian) born in Czenstohova who married Fanny Schaskolski, born in Riga in 1863 [handwriting garbled, may be 1865]. They had 2 sons: The youngest one Constantin-Pierre, born in Petersburg in 1893, married in 1912 with Miss Banzer had a son Youri (George) born in 1914 who is married and lives in Toulouse [France]. He had 2 sons. Constantin-Pierre remarried to Miss Tronsevitch and again another time [his third]. He died in Belgium in January 1970. The first son of Julien, Theodor was born in 1890. He married a woman from Vienna in 1943 and had a daughter. Theodor died in 1965. The second son of Adolph, Gustave was born in Czenstohova and went to the USA before the war in
1914. He had 7 sons and one daughter. I know 3 sons: Adam was born in Warsaw in 1892, Rom[?] born in Warsaw in 1894 and Walter born in New York in 1906. I don’t know the others. The third son, my father Maximilian was born April 1st 1870 in Czenstohova and died in Odessa in 1919 (added in between lines). He married Anne Herzenberg in 1899, born in 1978 [miswritten, 1878] in Moscow and had a daughter Alice-Régine [Nikitina] born in 1900 February 21st and Vladimir born in 1902 March 29 both in St. Petersburg. Vladimir, your father, married in 1945 with Miss Janine Regnard born in 1916 in Paris and you were born at Boulogne s/Seine [Boulogne-sur-Seine] September 5, 1945. The 4th son of Adolph – Stanislas was born in 1876 at Lodz. He was married to Miss Lidia ? and had 3 sons: John born in 1905, Bronislav born in 1907 and Anton born in 1914. Stanislas and Lidia were killed in Poland. Their sons were living in France.
The daughter of Adolph: Evelyn was born in 1878 at Lodz (Poland) and married a Russian general Avinovitzki in 1903. Both are dead, I don’t know where or when.
The only living parent [relative] that I know of is Nicolas Landau, antiquary in Paris who is the son of my father’s cousin. He is 80 years old and I think he can give more information on the Landau family!
My mother’s side:
The father of my mother was named Edouard Herzenberg. He was born around 1845 and died in 1910 in Moscow. He was married, but I think the name of my grandmother was Herzenberg too. She died in 1904 in Moscow. They had 7 daughters and 2 sons:
1) Sophie, the eldest born in 1863, married had 2 daughters Marie and Nadia. Nadia is dead and Marie lives in Moscow. She is married and has a married daughter, who has a daughter.
[Page 2]
2nd daughter Elizabeth born in 1865 in Moscow, married Adolph Werblovsky and had a daughter Catherine who married in 1913 Victor Buzkoy who died in England in 1945. Their son Arik was born in St. Petersburg in 1914, he is married to Julie and has a son and a daughter and lives in Malta. Catherine lives in Nice. Elisabeth died in Nice in 1950 and Adolph in 1938.
3rd daughter Hélène born in 1867 Moscow, married Ossip Offenbacher and had a son Lothar born in 1896. Hélène died in 1919 in Berlin and Ossip later. Lothar disappeared in Germany.
4th daughter Egenie [Eugenia] married Leon Taube from Riga and was born in 1876 in Moscow and died in 1930 in Moscow. No children.
5th daughter Lilia: born in 1877, died in 1897 in Davos.
6th daughter Anne: my mother born in 1878 married Maximillian Landau in 1898 and had 2 children Alice born on Feb. 21, 1900, and Vladimir March 29, 1902. Maximillian Landau died in Odessa in 1919 (January) and Anne died in 1961 in Monte-Carlo.
7th daughter Antoinette: born in 1885 and died in 1905.
1st son Ivan: born in 1870 married Lidia (French) in 1898 and had 3 children: Michel born in 1900, André born in 1901 and Susan born in 1903. Michel died in 1935, André lives in Moscow. Susan lives in Menton. Ivan died in Siberia in 1930 and Lidia too. André had a son and Susan married a Volant, a daughter Lidia married in Canada to an Austrian man. She has a son and daughter.
2nd son Paul: born in 1872 married to Natalie, one daughter. Lives in Moscow.”
DEATH:
1. Website https://avis-deces.linternaute.com/sospel/ville-06136?page=29 accessed 22 Aug 2021, which lists death notices in Sospel, France:
Suzanne HINDZEE (93 years); Birth 05/18/1906 in Sospel [should be Russia], Death 12/14/1999 in Sospel."
2. Death Certificate Index: https://www.acte-deces.fr/acte-de-deces-sospel-1999 accessed 9 Oct 2023: "Suzanne HINDZEE died on December 14, 1999 at the age of 93 and born in the same town on May 18, 1906. Act number 83."
3. Email dated 12/29/2015 from Martina Stotter :
"Suzanne was my grandmother. Sadly, she passed backed around 1995 in the town of Sospel (south of France). I believe she was around 98 years old. l last visited her just before her passing, when she had been hospitalized. She did not recognize us anymore. She passed shortly after. Suzanne had kept the name Herzenberg a secret and would never tell Mom (Lydia) or I. It was only after her death, thorough research on the internet, and also by obtaining a book written by our distant cousin Alice Nikitina "By Myself" that l was able to obtain more information on our family`s history."
Update 10/19/2023 from Martina after discussing the 1999 date: "No, I am pretty sure my Grandmother died in 1995---2 years prior to Princess Diana. She died in the hospital in Sospel."
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Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy
1906 - 1999 (93 years)
