Edith Nussbaum was born into a Jewish family in Dortmund on 14 September 1907. Her father was Moritz Nussbaum, a businessman, (born 14.5.1878 died 12.5.1943, Terezin) and her mother was Jenny Nussbaum, née Plaut (born 30.3.1883, died 15.5.1944, Auschwitz). Edith is described as a Kindergarten teacher on documentation prior to emigration in 1938-1939.

She became a Naturalised British citizen in 1947 and was then resident in North London and described as a teacher.