Kate Lipner
France

During World War II southern France was controlled by the Vichy government which conspired with their Nazi "occupiers" to identify and deport Jews. Informers, Gestapo and the Vichy police were everywhere, enforcing Nazi dictates.

In September, 1942 Marie Catherine Rossi, known then as Katouchka and now as Kate Lipner, defied the Vichy government. Living alone, her mother deceased, 17-year-old Lipner sheltered the children of the Spruch family - Moses (age ten) and his younger sister. Too young to accompany their mother to Spain, the Spruch children were hidden in Lipner's apartment and attic for more than two years. Shortly before Liberation in 1945, Mrs. Spruch was able to send someone to bring her children to safety in Spain.

Through constant vigilance and perseverance Kate Lipner saved the lives of the Spruch children and demonstrated that even in the midst of terror one young individual could make a difference.

Kate has lived in the Chicago area since shortly after the end of the war.