Maria Vostradovsky

Now I never dreamed that Elvis would be sung at a funeral, a Shriek made an appearance to a friends, but never Elvis, as he softly sung Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, at Maria Vostradovsky's memorial service.

Earlier in the memorial service, Nicole, Maria’s granddaughter, sang the modern version of the hymn "It is well with my soul". It was during this song, as I let the words wash over me, it dawned on me that Maria was born in the last great war. Yes Maria was born in the dying throws of the Second World War in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, in other words in German occupied Czechoslovakia.

After the liberation of Czechoslovakia by the Soviets, it became part of Eastern Soviet Block. It was during this time at the young age of 12 Maria lost her mom. After the Prague Spring of 1968 and the Soviet invasion, Maria in her mid-twenties along with her husband fled and as refugees arrived in Rhodesia. Later they crossed over to South Africa and started their family.

Maria gave birth to twins Richard and Anika in 1977. Now Anika and her husband Gary are good friends of ours, which is why we now stand by their side in support as we remember the life of their mother, Maria who crossed over late on Friday evening. We have met Maria only a couple of times but listening to the tributes, I can only conclude that it was well with her soul.

Fare you well Maria, till we meet again.