Serena never spoke of her life before she married into the Hochhauser family. They knew she was from Eastern Europe and based on her age and the timing of her immigration, they knew she had suffered through the events of the Holocaust and survived. But, how she did so was a story that was never told.

Nearly two decades after Serena’s death a set of historical records from the Red Cross International Tracing Service became more widely available and by piecing together several records from that collection and connecting them to immigration and citizenship records on Ancestry, a story emerged that shocked her family.

My guest, Howard Hochhauser, has been the Chief Financial Officer at Ancestry since 2009. Join me as we explore his journey into his grandmother’s past and how knowing her story has changed their family narrative.

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For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Genealogist Sunny Morton didn’t even know someone was missing from her family tree until a single mention in an obituary led her to a Nun.

Sister Mary Bertilla. This single name sparked a long search that culminated in the discovery of a remarkable, yet nearly forgotten, woman who dedicated herself to faith and service. Her story, encapsulated in a touching obituary, highlights the silent sacrifices she made.

Across the U.S. there are records in forgotten archives for more than 350,000 Women Religious - sisters and nuns - whose quiet contributions have deeply shaped our nation. These women, often overlooked in family histories because they have no descendants, have stories that deserve to be told.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.

For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Imagine sitting down at a family dinner where every bite is seasoned with laughter, love, and connection. You're invited to a conversation with my sister-in-law, Shelly Cowan, about an overly large family table and the powerful traditions it supports.

The mother of five boys, Shelly didn't just build a table with her dad, she crafted a space of profound gratitude and deep connection for our family.

I hope you'll discover the subtle art of turning daily habits into treasured traditions and be inspired to create your own gathering places.

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Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.

For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.