Mīļā Māra, Neaizmirsīšu Tavu jauko smaidu un prieku, kad atkal tikāmies gadskārtējā sinodē vai citā latviešu sarīkojumā. Mēs ar Andri pateicamies par Tavu uzticīgo kalpošanu mūsu baznīcā. Dear Māra, I will always remember your infectious smile and genuine joy when we met at our church's annual synod. Lai Tev vieglas smiltis. Sit tibi terra levis.

We have been friends since 1969. A true friend then and throughout. I had moved to Cookridge (for just two years) aged 24 for my husband’s work. We had three young children and I knew no one. The story she told is that she was approached by the Health Visitor who explained my predicament and asked whether she could reach out to me. Of course she didn’t tell me that until much later but reach out she did! She became a true friend, a sister, an auntie to my children and even on some occasions ‘a mother’ to me. Slowly, bit by bit over the years she told me her story and the story of her family and her loss of ‘home’ (Latvia). Her bravery in coping with all the challenges which had faced her and her family was typical of the positive attitude she showed towards all the later challenges in her life. Rest in peace, dear friend. We will remember you.

Dear Mara -just a little note to say how much we loved you and will always cherish your huge capacity for embracing all of our family into your heart -heaven is a better place with you in it -love you always and forever -ps do give my mum Mo a hug please ☺️😊💗💗💗💗💗💗xxxxxxxxxxx