26 févr. 2026

Anna Zurcher (1920 - 2017)

Resistance member of the Dutch-Paris network

A member of the Dutch-Paris network, Anna Stéveny-Zurcher played a discreet but essential role in the rescue of several hundred people during the Second World War.

Her home became a clandestine refuge where she welcomed, comforted and hid those fleeing persecution.

While her husband Jean organized the passage to the Swiss border - a promise of freedom - Anna ensured their protection on a daily basis.

She was often seen criss-crossing the countryside, pushing her little Frédéric's baby carriage in front of her. Underneath this seemingly banal gesture lay immense courage:

She would travel for miles, going from farm to farm, begging for food for her protégés while evading the vigilance of enemy patrols. Behind her calm and determination lay the survival of threatened lives.

After the war, Anna, Jean and their children left Europe for Madagascar, where they became missionaries at a school near Tananarive. With the same dedication, Anna continued her educational work there before returning to our school, where she served from 1960 to 1970 as secretary and English teacher.
She then continued her career in the Education Department of the Inter-European Division, where she worked until her retirement in 1985.

Such was the life of Anna Stéveny-Zurcher: a life guided by service, courage and profound humanity.