"Peace and health to loved ones!" This is the wish for the country and its people from 90-year-old former inmate of Nazi concentration camps, Maria Belyaeva.
– We congratulate you on the upcoming bright holiday, Victory Day! You had to endure a lot during the war and work for the good of the Motherland after its end. Thank you for this, we wish you good health and peace! – addressed the head of the administration of the Pervomaisky District of Vitebsk, Yevgeny Semyonchev, to Maria Vasilyevna, presenting her with financial assistance and the jubilee medal "80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War".
Gifts and congratulations on this day were also received by the former inmate of Nazi concentration camps from representatives of public associations and pioneers from educational institutions of the Pervomaisky District of Vitebsk.
– It is pleasant that you do not forget me. The main thing is peace and health of loved ones, I know this because I have seen a lot in my life, – Maria Belyaeva addressed the guests. – When the war began, I was 6 years old. Of the seven children, I was the eldest, so I helped take care of the younger ones. I also babysat for my mother's sister, helping my aunt look after her young son in another village. It happened that we were taken to Germany, and I was separated from my mother for several years.
After returning to her native village of Tsálovichi, Surazhsky District, Vitebsk Region, in 1945, Masha started school. After completing 7 grades, she began working as a milk receiver in the village of Dubrovy. After getting married in 1957, she moved to Vitebsk, where she worked as a cutter at JSC "Klassika of the Fashion Industry" for 33 years. For her long-term work, she was awarded the title of "Veteran of Labour".
Together with her husband, Maria Vasilyevna raised three children, who are unfortunately no longer alive, but the former inmate is visited by her three grandchildren. Maria Vasilyevna is expecting her granddaughter, who is currently studying in Minsk, to visit her on May 9th. Social worker Elena Vasilchuk also does not leave her without attention – she helps around the house and treats the former inmate with warmth and care.
– Maria Vasilyevna is very kind, she remembers a lot, despite her age. She does not like to talk about the war; as soon as she recalls it, tears well up in her eyes, – said Elena Vasilchuk.