Helene Bresslau Schweitzer
| Helene Bresslau Schweitzer | |
|---|---|
Memorial plaque of Schweitzer, left, and her husband Albert, right, in Basel
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| Born | Helene Bresslau January 25, 1879 Berlin, Germany |
| Died | June 1, 1957 (aged 78) Zurich, Switzerland |
| Nationality | German |
| Fields | Medicine, Nursing, Missionary |
| Education | Protestant Deaconess Society |
| Known for | Co-founding the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon |
Helene Bresslau Schweitzer (January 25, 1879 – June 1, 1957) was co-founder of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, medical missionary, nurse, social worker, linguist, public medicine enthusiast, editor, feminist, sociologist, mother, and wife/confidant of Albert Schweitzer. Albert, a medical missionary, did not mention her role in his efforts. According to writer Mary Kingsley, she is "one form of human being whose praise has never adequately been sung, namely, the missionary's wife." While much of his work seems to overwrite her own, she played a pivotal role in the advancement of medicine, feminine independence, and societal justice.
Helene Bresslau Schweitzer was born to the Bresslau family on January 25, 1879 in Berlin. Her maternal family was of Jewish descent, but she was baptized into the Christian religion as a result of widespread anti-semitism. The Bresslaus moved to Alsace, France when she was eleven because of a new job opportunity for her father. Her father, Harry Bresslau, began working at the University of Strasbourg and eventually became chancellor. As a result of the move, Schweitzer adopted French, becoming fluent rather quickly.
In 1898, Bresslau met her future husband, Albert Schweitzer at a wedding. Shortly thereafter, they developed a relationship that included separation, independence, and non-exclusive behaviors. This allowed both to develop their lives while enjoying each other's companionship, conversation, and virtues. The one thing that united the pair was their shared ideology: to take care of others.
Bresslau became Albert's confidant but did not give up her own life for his. In fact, they spent a great deal of time away from each other and maintained a nontraditional relationship (together but not exclusive). They felt secure remaining undefined as a couple, relying on their friendship through documented letters. The turning point for their relationship occurred when they married on June 18, 1912 in Gunsbach. At this point in their lives, they both decided to marry and go to Africa to fulfill their desire to care for others in need. She quit her job at the orphanage and studied higher level nursing to advance her knowledge before leaving. On Good Friday of 1913, she travelled with Albert to Lambaréné, Gabon, beginning her medical missionary adventure.
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