Maria von Trapp, the last surviving member of the original Trapp Family Singers made famous in The Sound of Music, passed away last Tuesday at the age of 99. Maria was the great aunt of our good friends and musical collaborators Sofia, Melanie, Amanda, and August von Trapp. In an heartfelt interview with the Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog, Sofi discusses her great aunt’s cheerful spirit, infectious laugh, and humanitarian and musical legacy. Here’s an excerpt from the piece:

“When the four of us were small Aunt Maria would come visit us in Montana always bringing her accordion. She would teach us Austrian folk songs and how to dance the Landler. In 2008 she translated over 40 Austrian children’s songs that she asked us to record for her children’s songbook.
Our great aunt Maria influenced everyone she met with such love, joy, and cheerfulness. We can speak for the many who will miss her dearly, especially her humor and her ‘Mitzi laugh’.”

Read the whole article here.

Maria von Trapp teaches August to dance the Landler. Photo courtesy of The von Trapps.