Helga Eichner, married name: Zitcer

Helga Eichner was born in 1929 to the merchants, Walter and Margit Eichner. Her parents ran a prestigious clothing store for men, women, and children on the Klosterstrasse in Linz. They hired a Christian nanny for Helga upon her enrolment in the Urfahr primary school. Fritzi Wankmüller was a loving companion for the child, teaching her French and how to play the piano. The Jewish religion played no significant role in the family; it was practiced only by the grandmother.

It wasn’t until after March 1938 that many customers became aware that the Eichner family was Jewish. Their business was coveted by the so-called "Ariseuren" and Helga's father was deported to Dachau so that they could take possession of it sooner. Walter Eichner was ultimately able to escape to England; his wife was able to obtain a British entry permit as a domestic servant, but only if she emigrated without a child. Helga Eichner had to be evacuated to Sweden alone. She endured lonely years there with foster parents. Eventually she experienced a few happy months in an orphanage. The parents managed to reunite with their daughter in 1942.