Maria Von Trapp, the final surviving member of the legendary Austrian singing family, has passed away in Vermont, all too soon.

http://pix11.com/2014/02/22/maria-von-trapp-passes-away-at-99/

"So long, Farewell, Auf wiedersen, Godspeed! 99 years, is such a life to lead!"

And far longer than any of those who drove you and your family out of Austria. You won't see any of them where you're going, but give our respects to the sisters and the family. Thanks to the movie, you will never be forgotten.

Your Pal,
Doc
:\'(

There was an article in our local paper today about her. I just want to make sure that everyone is aware. This is NOT Maria Von Trapp as portrayed by Julie Andrews in the movie. This was the girl who was portrayed as Louisa.


STOWE — Maria von Trapp, a member of the musical family whose escape from Nazi-occupied Austria was the basis for “The Sound of Music,” has died, her brother said Saturday.

Von Trapp, 99, died at her home in Vermont on Tuesday, Johannes von Trapp said.

“She was a lovely woman who was one of the few truly good people,” he said. “There wasn’t a mean or miserable bone in her body. I think everyone who knew her would agree with that.”

Maria von Trapp was the last surviving member of the seven original Trapp Family Singers made famous in “The Sound of Music.” Their story was turned into the film and Broadway musical.

She was the third child and second-oldest daughter of Australian Naval Capt. Georg von Trapp and his first wife, Agathe Whitheead von Trapp. Their seven children were the basis for the singing family in the 1959 Broadway musical and 1965 film, which won the Oscar for best picture. Maria von Trapp was portrayed as Louisa in the film and musical.

“The Sound of Music” was based loosely on a 1949 book by von Trapp’s second wife, also Maria von Trapp, who died in 1987. It tells the story of an Austrian woman who married a widower with seven children and teaches them music.

In 1938, the family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria. After they arrived in New York, the family became popular with concert audiences. The family eventually settled in Vermont, where they opened a ski lodge in Stowe.

Von Trapp played accordion and taught Austrian dance with sister Rosmarie at the lodge.

Rosmarie von Trapp, Johannes von Trapp and Eleonore Von Trapp Campbell were born to Georg von Trapp and Maria von Trapp.


http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=RH&Date=20140223&Category=FEATURES&ArtNo=702239874&Ref=AR&MaxH=290&MaxW=435


http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140223/FEATURES/702239874

It is sad but she lived a VERY long life.


Cat

RIP Maria :\'(

Thanks for that info, Cat.  I had seen an article that said she was portrayed with a different name in the movie but none of the articles I read ever said. 

RIP Maria.  :\'(