Congratulations on your 100th birthday!
Erna Rätzsch celebrates her "round" birthday on 1 November 2012
Erna Rätzsch is celebrating her 100th birthday in Chemnitz on 1 November 2012. A representative of the Mayor's Office will be bringing the City of Chemnitz's congratulations to the birthday celebrant at 10 a.m. at "Gemeinschaftsliche Wohnen" at Leipziger Straße 199 in 09114 Chemnitz.
Erna Rätzsch, née Werner, was born in Pirna on 1 November 1912 as the sixth of eleven children. She helped out in the family from an early age and was involved in looking after her younger siblings. After completing the 8th grade, she began her professional life - she worked in a position for many years, from 1952 until her 60th birthday in the paper and shoe factory in Heidenau.
Her first marriage to Erwin Deifke was short-lived due to the war: Erna Rätzsch was widowed as a young woman at the age of 32. Her second marriage to Hans Rätzsch was more fortunate and they enjoyed 47 wonderful years together, which she still remembers fondly today.
Since September last year, Erna Rätzsch has been living in Chemnitz in a residential community for people suffering from dementia. She looked after her own household until she was 94 years old, but her increasing need for care made the move necessary.
Having remained childless herself, Erna Rätzsch always had a particularly close relationship of trust with her two nieces, Mrs Röhricht and Mrs Maul. They both lovingly looked after their aunt's well-being and, together with the care staff in the day care centre, prepared Erna Rätzsch's big day.