Klara Ingrid Schmidt

Klara Ingrid Schmidt, 67, passed away on November 11, 2022, in Berlin. Klara was a distinguished historian specializing in 20th-century European history and served as a professor at Humboldt University for 30 years. Born in postwar Munich, she witnessed Germany's transformation firsthand an experience that shaped her academic focus on reconciliation and memory. Klara's acclaimed book 'Echoes of Reconciliation: Germany's Long Journey' won the European History Prize in 2010. Her lectures were renowned for their depth and compassion, and she mentored countless international students. Even after retirement, she volunteered as a guide at the Berlin Wall Memorial, sharing personal insights with visitors from around the world. She is survived by her life partner of 40 years, Friedrich Weber, her two nieces, and her vast academic family. Klara never had biological children but considered her students her legacy. Her final published essay concluded: 'History is not just about remembering what happened, but understanding how healing happens.' Her work continues to foster dialogue and understanding across generations and borders.