With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Rose Sherman Williams January 11, 2025, at the age of 97. Rose was born on June 10, 1927, in Radom, Poland, to Pearl (Volberg) and Jacob Sherman. Early idyllic childhood years came to an abrupt end with the Nazi invasion in September, 1939. From ages 12-18, Rose suffered all forms of oppression, including forced labor in 5 camps, among them the notorious Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, where she was liberated on April 15, 1945.
Despite starvation, typhus, beatings, and devastating losses of loved ones, Rose managed to overcome her own physical, psychological, and spiritual torture. Finding sister Binne and later brother Jurek gave her the strength to go forward. In 1950, she arrived in the United States where she fell to her knees and kissed the ground, feeling truly liberated from the horrors of her past.
Williams had two sons, Pete and A Jay Serchay, She later met Jack Williams, the love of her life, and they shared 35 years together. She had moved on from the Holocaust and never discussed it. Only when first-born Pete was dying of leukemia in 1989 did she reveal Holocaust atrocities endured. Pete made her promise to tell the story. It took her 18 years to do so. Rose was already 80 years old when Holocaust Memorial Museum SA director Maxine Cohen finally convinced her to speak. Her story impacted tens of thousands of lives over her remaining 17 years. In 2019, co-authored by Becky Hoag with Robin Philbrick, Williams’ memoir Letters to Rose was published.
Williams’ passing marks the end of a remarkable life, one forged in the fire of adversity but lived with grace and dignity. Rose was a light. She emanated love, resilience, forgiveness, and the need to be a voice for the voiceless. Her story, as well as her impact, will live on for generations to come.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Pearl Sherman; sister Binne Sherman Harris; brothers Jurek and Motek; her beloved husband, Jack Williams; and son, Pete Serchay. Survivors include son A Jay Serchay (Mary); grandsons Alexys (Caryn), Jason, and Sammy; Dianne Evans, and numerous nieces and nephews in Georgia and Israel.
A graveside service was held in Agudas Achim Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, where family, friends, and loved ones gathered to honor her incredible life and legacy.
May Rose’s memory be a blessing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rose Williams Holocaust Survivor Initiative via the Jewish Federation of San Antonio’s Holocaust Education program.
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