Pauline Einstein

Pauline Einstein (née Koch) (February 8, 1858 – February 20, 1920) was the mother of the renowned physicist Albert Einstein. Born in Cannstatt, Kingdom of Württemberg, she was a well-educated and cultured woman for her time. Pauline married Hermann Einstein, a featherbed salesman who later ran an electrochemical factory, on August 8, 1876. Together, they had two children: Albert Einstein and Maja (Maria).

Early Life

Pauline was born into a Jewish family in Cannstatt, which is now part of Stuttgart, Germany. Her father, Julius Koch, was a successful grain trader, providing a comfortable upbringing for Pauline and her siblings. She received a good education, a rarity for women in that era, which instilled in her a lifelong love of music and the arts.

Marriage and Family

After marrying Hermann Einstein, the couple settled in Ulm, where their first child, Albert, was born in 1879. The family moved several times due to Hermann's business ventures, living in Munich and later in Italy. Pauline was known to be a supportive mother, encouraging her son's academic interests. Despite the family's financial difficulties, she ensured that Albert received a quality education, including violin lessons, which fostered his love for music.

Later Years

Following her husband's death in 1902, Pauline lived with her sister in Hechingen, Germany. She maintained a close relationship with her children, especially Albert, with whom she corresponded regularly. In her later years, Pauline suffered from health issues and moved to Switzerland to be near Albert. She died in 1920 in Luzern, due to complications from cancer.

Legacy

Pauline Einstein's influence on her son Albert is well-documented. Her intellectual curiosity and appreciation for music and learning undoubtedly shaped the young Einstein's character and interests. Despite facing personal and financial hardships, her dedication to her children's education and well-being left a lasting impact on one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.