Sarah Sarner
Through the Years
Sarah's family, the Cooperbands, lived in Mezhyrich (Mezerich). Her father leased land because Jews could not own land. He grew crops and paid peasants to harvest them, Every year he had a harvest celebration. He also baked Matzohs for the community in large ovens he owned.
We don't know how Sarah made the connection to Benjamin Sarner in Koretz, Sarah said she was in love with another man but suggested that the families thought the merging of the two families would have financial benefits. She moved to Koretz when she got married and for a time, her mother was with her.
Her brother Peter emigrated to Winnipeg and worked as a cattle broker. It was Peter who sponsored Benjamin and his family to come to Winnipeg,
We don't know how Sarah made the connection to Benjamin Sarner in Koretz, Sarah said she was in love with another man but suggested that the families thought the merging of the two families would have financial benefits. She moved to Koretz when she got married and for a time, her mother was with her.
Her brother Peter emigrated to Winnipeg and worked as a cattle broker. It was Peter who sponsored Benjamin and his family to come to Winnipeg,
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Sarah's Story
In 2002, Arlene created a dramatic narrative of Sarah's life based on information in Dorothy's story. She performed this at the Jewish Women's Theater in Los Angeles. Click here to read Sarah's Story |
Cooperbands
On the left, Sarah's mother Hannah Cooperband. On the right, Peter Cooperband, Sarah, Benjamin
Letters to Dorothy
Dorothy left behind several letters written in Yiddish. Berte arranged for translations to be done by a Yiddish speaker but translated the last letter herself.
1944 - Sarah sends a compassionate letter to Dorothy who was struggling with the demands of a young family. There is a note of sadness when Sarah reflects on the impact of the demands of her earlier life.
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Click to view
1945 - Another loving letter from Sarah who is excited to anticipate a visit from Wilf but hoping that Frances would be coming.. Notes about clothing, jams and other family. She's anxious to hear from Sam and Rosela who are expecting their baby (Beverly) at any time.
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Click to view
1951 - Sarah checks on Dorothy who has been ill. Has sent a jacket to Corinne and muses that she should also include the boys with gifts - Alan (Ilan), Mark, and Richard. The year was not noted in the letter but must be 1951 because September 18 was on Tuesday in only 1951 and 1956 and Robert was not mentioned in the letter so it had to be before he was born.
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Click to view
1950s - Not dated. Sarah was quite sad for the 3rd Mother's day. So she may have been missing her mother. Also, she attended a school graduation event without Benjamin where a scholarship in his name was awarded. So it was likely after he passed away and she may have been missing him. Rose (Rona) and the girls and Evelyn's pretty little boy are mentioned.
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This letter was translated by Berte.
Click to view the letter in Berte's handwriting
Click to view
This letter was translated by Berte.
Click to view the letter in Berte's handwriting
Mezhyrich
Mezhyrich is 71 km (44 miles) from Koretz.
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Mezhyrich's RenownBa'al Shem Tov
The founder of the Chassidic movement in the early 1700s. Click here to read more about him. The images below of Shem Tov's shul (1915), the interior of the shul (1915) and the well dug by him (still operating today) would have been seen by young Sarah. Mammoth Bone Huts
Mezhyrich is a significant archeological site where remnants of Paleolithic huts constructed of mammoth bones have been discovered. Click here to read more. View a video about this remarkable find. 
Diorama at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC, based on Mezhyrich
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