‘Our Story Is Movie Material’: Sisters Find Each Other After 80 Years & Celebrate Father’s Extraordinary Life

Sandra Hoffmeister’s journey into her family history recently led to an extraordinary discovery through MyHeritage DNA. She found her half-sister, Beverly, and a niece, Sally, uncovering an entire branch of her family she never knew existed. This revelation opened a new chapter in Sandra’s understanding of her father, George Bernard Surber, a man whose life was already the stuff of legend. Sandra and Beverly’s families, recognizing the incredible story they shared, agree that it could easily inspire a novel or a movie. “We’ve always said a book or movie could be made about our story,” says Sandra.

Sandra, who now lives in Poland, knew that she had a half-sister in Australia, conceived while her dad was stationed there during World War II. After decades of searching, thanks to a DNA match in Australia, Sandra found her half-sister, Beverly.

“Growing up, I always felt there was something not quite right,” says Beverly, who is currently 81 years old. “The man I thought was my father was a very good man, and he raised me well, but no one ever mentioned anything about my early years. I was only seven when he married my mother. As I grew older, I stumbled upon a letter from George to my mother, but I kept it to myself, thinking that he wasn’t interested in me.”

It wasn’t until Sandra reached out through a DNA match with Beverly’s granddaughter, Georgia, that the truth began to unfold. “My daughter had always tried to find my father, and when Sandra found me, I was in shock for weeks. Having contact with her felt surreal. Sandra explained how George had spent time trying to find us, but back then, it was nearly impossible. It was overwhelming to learn that he had cared so much.”

Reflecting on her relationship with Sandra, Beverly expressed deep gratitude: “It feels like I’ve known Sandra forever, and as an only child, she is exactly the sister I had always wished for. I had felt unwanted for so long, but hearing from Sandra how much our father cared was the most heartwarming news. My only regret is that we didn’t find each other sooner.”

George’s incredible story

George Bernard Surber lived an exceptional life. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps before World War II and was part of the first landing on Guadalcanal. The grueling conditions on the island left him severely ill with malaria, dysentery, and starvation. After recovering in Australia, he returned to the United States and served as an amphibious training instructor in California until his discharge after 4 years of service.

The year he left the Marines, George married his pre-war sweetheart. In 1947, he graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy and began a distinguished 30-year career with the LAPD. His first assignment was in Watts, one of Los Angeles’ toughest neighborhoods. George worked through the infamous Watts Riots of 1965 and later joined the elite “Freeway Flyers,” a unit specialized in high-speed pursuits. His bravery earned him the LAPD Medal of Valor for rescuing a family from a burning vehicle.

George cheated death several times over in his career. He survived being hit by a car on the freeway and a violent encounter with a thief, during which he was stabbed 17 times. He also had a close call while working undercover vice in Watts, where his partner, Kermit Bekke, was injured during a confrontation with an armed pimp. Despite these challenges, George remained dedicated to his work and his family.

Balancing his demanding job with family life, George was an exemplary father to Sandra and her two older brothers. “He always made time for us,” Sandra recalls. “He coached my brothers’ baseball teams, took us on camping trips, and ensured we had great vacations every summer.” His influence was so profound that Sandra’s eldest brother pursued a career in law enforcement, inspired by his father’s dedication and bravery.

In addition to his police work, George was active in his community. He was the first LAPD officer to hold political office while still on duty, serving on the Torrance City Council. His re-election by a narrow margin of two votes made history in the city.

Even in retirement, George remained active, learning to ski at 65. However, in his early 80s, he became legally blind due to macular degeneration. Sandra moved back to Southern California to care for him, cherishing the 8.5 years they spent together before his passing in 2012 at the age of 91. 

Sandra with her dad and dog Lily circa 2006

The discovery of Beverly and her family added another layer to George’s already remarkable story. Beverly’s son, Dean, was a top-ranked Australian tennis player, and her daughter, Sally, a skilled equestrian. It turns out that George’s legacy of athleticism and resilience had crossed oceans and generations.

“Sandra has made me the happiest sister, and I do love her very much,” says Beverly. “It saddens me that I will probably never meet Sandra, as I am 81, but my niece and nephew have connected with her, and that makes me so happy.”

Sandra’s love and admiration for her father shine through in every story she shares. “To say Dad was my hero is an understatement,” Sandra expressed. “He was such a good father, good-natured, generous, and had a great sense of humor.” George Bernard Surber was more than a hero; he was a devoted father, a courageous police officer, and a man whose life continues to inspire those who hear his story. The bond between Sandra and her newly discovered family members is a testament to the enduring impact of George’s incredible life.

Sandra gives George a kiss on her wedding day

Many thanks to Sandra and Beverly for sharing their story with us! If you’ve made an incredible discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please send it to us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.