Obituary of Guta Fischel

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Guta Fischel on August 28, 2021 Born in Lodz, Poland to Paltiel and Rachel Litera, June 1927. Guta’s young life was disrupted by the war; she lived in the Warsaw and Lodz Ghettos with her mother and younger sister Edga. As the war progressed, together they endured and survived being slave laborers in ammunition factories, death marches, and several concentration camps.  The three were liberated from Dachau together. Guta’s father, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins were among the six million Jews killed during the war. 

After liberation, Guta was assigned to a DP Camp in Feldafing, Germany where she met and fell in love with David Fischel and married. Many of their fellow survivors at the DP camp became lifelong friends.  Guta and Dave moved to Schongau, Germany where they started a small grocery store and a family.

Having their sights on America, Guta and Dave relocated their family to NY and then Stamford.  They were reunited with many of their “survivor” friends which provided both comfort and security in their new homeland. Together Guta and Dave overcome many obstacles as immigrants.

Guta was extremely patriotic, she loved America and she especially loved Stamford. While she had every reason to be bitter, she lived a life of gratitude for her many blessings.  She was a pacifist that believed in the power of kindness.

Guta spoke several languages fluently. She travelled extensively. She was a nature lover, an avid reader, loved to dance and had a beautiful singing voice. She was a fashion plate, a serious movie buff, and had an unwavering interest in British life, especially anything related to the royal family. She was friendly, outgoing with a naughty sense of humor.  She was truly unique in a wonderful way.

Many thanks to the dedicated staff and friends at Edge Hill and the JCC Senior Program.  Thank you Luba Weinroth and Irene.  It takes a village to raise a child but it also takes a village to assist in the care and wellbeing of the elderly.  Many thanks to those that enriched Guta’s life.

The greatest blessing in Guta’s life without question was her family. Guta’s trifecta were her kids, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  Each a blessing, representing her legacy and each being a symbol of hope after the darkness she endured.

Those interested in making a charitable donation in memory of Guta may consider, Schoke JFS of Fairfield County Kosher Pantry in Stamford, JCC Senior Program, Congregation Agudath Sholom or the World Zionist Organization.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Sunday, August 29, 2021 under the tent at Congregation Agudath Sholom 301 Strawberry Hill Ave Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Agudath Sholom Cemetery, Stamford.  The arrangements are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home 104 Myrtle Ave Stamford, Ct (203)-359-9999. For more information, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com