Marysia- A legend The other day I overheard my daughter talking to a friend about Marysia. I heard the word ‘Legend’ and have learnt to understand that ‘legend’ is the highest accolade given to the older generation by the younger generation. It has come to be used to refer to an ‘Extraordinary Super Special person. Marysia was no exception. She demonstrated such agility of mind and spirit driven by passion and compassion. On a personal level I often felt that Marysia took over as the mother and grandmother figure in our life after my own mother died in 2004. I got to know Marysia over the past 20 years as increasingly she was integrated into the social events of our community of friends. Marysia, socially gregarious and socially indefatiguable demonstrated such extraordinary love of life and interest in everybody and everything at picnics, birthdays, Christmas, BBQ’S, Hampstead, visits to theatres, cinemas, restaurants-all of these we enjoyed with Marysia. These events were enriched by her stories-and there were many-always told with passion and deep emotion. Her eyes would often well up when she told stories of her family and friends. She would relive every experience. Her stories also showed her serious side-her wisdom ,her tolerance, her hatred of prejudice and her capacity to reflect and remember. I can tell a very simple story which I think demonstrates Marysia’s spirit. Two years ago I visited her when Pete and Samira were away. I had a puppy in the car and I explained to Marysia that I would have to give it a quick walk. Marysia’s eyes lit up and she announced that she was coming too. I was expecting 10 minutes round the block but in fact we trudged the streets of Hendon for almost two hours, bumped into neighbours, greeted friends went into shops-there was a story at every juncture and an insight into Hendon social history. Whenever Marysia said farewell at social gatherings, she would always, eyes shining, glistening, radiant with warmth say ‘Bye darling-go well’. So now it is with sadness and gratitude we say ‘Bye Marysia, go well.’
