Otto’s Story: Six Decades of Support

Otto Kohn’s relationship with Cabrini spanned more than six decades—a connection that began with his first admission at the age of 28. He often recalled that 1956 visit with great fondness, when Cabrini was still the old St Benedict’s mansion run entirely by the Cabrini Sisters.

“They took out my tonsils,” he once said. “I remember there was a lot of fruit, and they came in at night and chatted and ate fruit with us. Fruit was limited then. They were very kind. They were absolute human beings. Just the best. Full stop.”

Even then, Otto felt something special—a sense of care and humanity that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

A Life Defined by Resilience

Otto’s early years were marked by extraordinary hardship. Born in Prague in 1928, he survived five Holocaust concentration camps between 1942 and 1945, contracted tuberculosis in 1948 and, after losing most of his beloved family members in the Holocaust, arrived alone in Australia in 1950. Through determination and hard work, he went on to build a successful timber business and a life defined by resilience.

His connection to Cabrini continued throughout his life. His last admission, for pneumonia and bronchitis, kept him in hospital for seven weeks—an experience he admitted was difficult—but even then, his respect for Cabrini’s care never wavered.

“For me, my impressions of Cabrini are superb,” he said. “I think the nuns resonated with me. Forget about religion—Cabrini is trying to do the best job they can. When you’re sick, you want the best care you can get.”

Leaving an Enduring Legacy

Otto chose to leave a gift in his Will to Cabrini, believing deeply in supporting future care.

“I think it will make a difference,” he said. “Any money will make a difference.”

Otto’s generous bequest ensures that the compassionate care he experienced at Cabrini will live on, touching the lives of others for years to come. His remarkable journey was one of resilience and purpose—a life that transformed great adversity into enduring hope.

Otto passed away on 11 April 2025, aged 97, and will be held in fond memory by everyone at Cabrini.