About the Author
Rudy Galfi is a lifelong storyteller with a passion for uncovering hidden history. A dedicated researcher and family historian, he spent years piecing together the true story behind Echoes of War: A Family’s Unbreakable Bond, drawing from personal interviews, archival documents, and family letters. Rudy is an active member of the Elgin History Museum and has led efforts to preserve local and personal heritage. When he’s not writing or volunteering, he enjoys photography, travel, and exploring the stories that connect generations. This is his debut book, written in tribute to the strength and resilience of his ancestors.
About My Mom
This book is dedicated to my mom, Hedy, who would have been so proud to see it in print. She was a natural storyteller—if you asked her, she always had a story ready to share. Though she stood just 5’1″, she always seemed taller to me, carrying herself with strength, dignity, and determination throughout her life.
Hedy’s early years were marked by challenges, but nothing ever truly phased her. After my father passed away, she grieved, then found her footing and pressed forward with resilience. She learned to drive, earned her license, and took a full-time job at Automatic Electric, working for minimum wage to keep food on the table. Her message to my three brothers and me was clear: “We need to stick together to make this work.” And we did. Each of us took jobs as soon as we were able, contributing to the household just as she had taught us.
To her children, grandchildren, and even my friends, she was simply “Mom.” She had a way of making everyone feel loved and welcomed. She cherished family above all else, loved all 17 of her grandchildren equally, and was always there when her children needed her. She valued her friendships deeply, keeping in touch year after year with Christmas cards and visits as long as she could.
Hedy was strong, emotional, and determined—a woman who inspired respect but also offered comfort. She was the sweet grandmother figure we all adored, but she also had a firm side you didn’t want to cross. I never once thought of her as weak or out of control. To me, she was a pillar of strength.
In so many ways, now I realize that I am more like her. She is the reason this book exists, and her spirit is woven into every page.
Author Rudy Galfi 