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PORTLAND, Ore. (UPI)—John Stefanski was just 21 years old when he was stationed in Paris at the end of World War I. He met a French girl, Georgette DeMorise, 19, and they were mar ried on July 12, 1919. She promised to come to Amer ica with him but when the time came she could not tear herself away from her family. The newly eee lived together only two w x Stefanski did not hear from his bride again. He re-enlisted, wan dered in and out of the Army and 20 years later married Mrs. Mina’ Roberts. They have lived together in Portland for 23 years. Last summer Stefanski received a letter. It was from Georgette. She was destitute, had been wounded and blinded in Paris near the end of the German occupation in World War II. Her only support was a meager French pension. She said she still was Stefan ski's wife and she demanded $50 monthly support payments. Stefanski had not heard from her in 42 years but had cor responded briefly with her par ents. They said she had divorced him in 1921. Stefanski, now 62, took his prob lem to an attorney. The attorney filed a divorce action. Georgette went to the American embassy and then to a Paris law yer. The Paris lawyer wrote to another attorney in Portland. The case had its first hearing Thursday before Judge Jean Lew is in Portland. The issue was an order on Georgettes’ behalf seek ing temporary support payments and attorney's fees. “I am mindful that you have not seen this woman for 42 years, ’ said Judge Lewis, “but she still is your wife.” She granted $200 attorney's fees but withheld an order for support payments until depositions can be obtained from Georgette in Paris The depositions are to be received within 60 days if possible.
Newspaper Details
Columbus Daily Telegram
Columbus, Nebraska, US
Fri, Mar 09, 1962
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Sophie D.
FR 30 Aug 2026
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