Renée Duering was born on January 7th, 1921, in Cologne, Germany, to Leonhard and Esther Düring. She had an older brother, Rudy, and a younger sister, Ellen. A gifted linguist, Renée spoke German, French, Dutch, and English fluently. She later settled in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, where she became known for her warmth, intelligence, and engaging conversation. Ever the gracious hostess, she welcomed guests with elegance—always serving tea in her finest cups. Her voice, touched with the gentle cadence of her native German, revealed a lively spirit and a profound zest for life. As a Holocaust survivor, Renée was deeply committed to sharing her story, speaking openly about the hardships she endured and the strength that carried her through.