Today, we mark a remarkable milestone in the life of a remarkable woman, Maria von Hanau. Born on December 8, 1924, she has reached the extraordinary age of 98, a testament to her resilience and vitality. As we celebrate her birthday, we take a moment to reflect on her remarkable journey, which has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and a passion for her work.
Maria von Hanau, a true icon in her field, has left an indelible mark on the world. Her contributions to the field of history have been profound, and her legacy continues to inspire and educate new generations. As we honor her life and achievements, we are reminded of the power of determination and the importance of preserving our collective heritage. Her remarkable story is a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring impact of human endeavor.
what is the significance of maria von hanau's 98th birthday
Maria von Hanau's 98th birthday is significant because it marks a remarkable milestone in her life, demonstrating her resilience and vitality. Her journey, which has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and a passion for her work, serves as an inspiration to others. At 98, she has left an indelible mark on the world, and her legacy continues to educate and inspire new generations. Her remarkable story is a testament to the enduring impact of human endeavor and a beacon of hope for those who strive to make a lasting difference.what is the pi beta phi sorority and how did they sponsor maria von hanau's arrival in the us
The Pi Beta Phi sorority is a social sorority founded in 1867 at Monmouth College in Illinois, United States. It is one of the oldest and largest sororities in the United States, with over 300 chapters across the country. The sorority is known for its philanthropic efforts, particularly in the area of literacy and education, and for fostering lifelong friendships among its members. The Pi Beta Phi sorority played a significant role in sponsoring Maria von Hanau's arrival in the United States. In November 1949, Maria, a displaced person from Hungary, came to the United States thanks to the sponsorship of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. This sponsorship facilitated her immigration and integration into American society, allowing her to pursue higher education and eventually build a life in the United States.what is the mission of the pi beta phi sorority
The mission of the Pi Beta Phi sorority is to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential, and enrich lives through community service.
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| Princess Maria. |
Maria Madelaine (de) Kossaczky was born on 9 December 1924 at Budapest, Hungary, as the only child of Major General Árpád Vitéz Kossaczky (Szeleste, Austria-Hungary 9 April 1886-Miami, Florida 24 June 1967) and Ilona Wallner (Nagyszombat, Austria-Hungary 16 November 1891-Greenwich, Connecticut 3 December 1983). Árpád and Ilona were married on 10 November 1919 at Trnava, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia). Their daughter Maria arrived five years later.
Major General Árpád Kossaczky fought in the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I. In the 1950s, he recalled his time in the military on the Russian front, with regards to the conditions of the Russian soldiers: "Some of them cannot read or write." Kossaczky was firmly anti-Communist, and he founded a publishing and printing house in Budapest, which he ran until 1941.
In Budapest, Maria attended Pázmány Péter Catholic University, and she then continued her studies at the University of Innsbruck (Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck), where she focused on art history. In November 1949, Maria came to the United States as a displaced person in thanks to sponsorship from the Pi Beta Phi sorority. After arriving in the States, Maria enrolled at the University of Texas (UT), where she studied languages - her original intention had been to study interior design. While at UT, Maria worked as a teaching fellow in the German language department. Maria received a master's degree in German from the University of Texas. She went on to teach French, German, and European history at San Antonio College.
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| Reunited: Maria with her mother and father in 1951. Photo (c) Neal Douglass Photos. |
Through the sponsorship of friends, Maria's parents were able to immigrate to the United States in 1951. They had previously fled Hungary for Germany in 1945, and then relocated from Germany to Austria, where they lived in the French Zone. The Texan press covered the reunion of Maria and her parents when they arrived in April 1951. Maria's mother Ilona remarked after seeing her daughter, who had adapted to being a college student, "poised and self-assured," in Texas: "In disposition, she is the same, but when I look at her and hear her talk I must tell myself she is Maria."
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| Maria walks down the aisle with her father Major General Kossaczky. |
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| Friedrich Wilhelm and Maria exchange wedding bands. |
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| Princess Maria, pictured after throwing her bouquet, with Countess Rose Fugger von Babenhausen, a first cousin of Maria's husband. |
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| Maria and Friedrich Wilhelm drink from the Kossaczsky silver wine goblet and its smaller cup. |
On 5 June 1954, Maria Madelaine de Kossaczky married Prince Friedrich Wilhelm von Hanau, Count von Schaumburg, at 11:00am during a nuptial mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin, Texas. Princess Maria's wedding outfit was thusly described by The Austin American of 8 June 1954: "She was attired in a gown of off-white peau de soie, designed with scooped neckline, Venetian point lace inlay, long pointed sleeves, Empire waistline, a bell-skirt with a long train... Her only jewelry was a pair of diamond earrings given her by her mother, which once were worn by her grandmother in Hungary." The maid of honour was Countess Andrea Széchényi von Sárvár-Felsövidék; the bridesmaids were Miss Jane Markman Wray, Miss Eugenia Hill, Miss Jo Jo Oefinger, Miss Emily Ann Finch, and Countess Rose Fugger von Babenhausen. The bestman was Mayor Andrew Wessling of Alamo City; the groomsmen were Dr Rudoph Winkelbauer, Lieutenant George Price, Mr August Clemens, Mr Jack Hebdon, and Mr Robert Schupbach. The Reverend Andrew J. Mulreany officiated over the wedding, which was followed by a reception at the home of Mr and Mrs Robert B. Thrasher of Grove House. During the reception, which was attended by 150 guests, Prince Friedrich Wilhelm and Princess Maria von Hanau shared a toast from a silver goblet brought over by her parents. Her mother Ilona, who wore a mauve dress and a diamond pendant, explained, "My husband and I drank from it at our wedding also." The couple then departed for a week's honeymoon, after which they settled in an apartment in San Antonio.
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| Friedrich Wilhelm in 1953. |
Born on 3 December 1927 at Horowitz, Czechoslovakia, Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich von Hanau was the fourth children and third son of Fürst Heinrich von Hanau (1900-1971) and Countess Maria Theresia Fugger von Babenhausen (1899-1994). In 1952, Friedrich Wilhelm came to the USA and settled in Texas. The prince took a job with the Southern Steel Company, and he was taking night classes at San Antonio College in geology. Friedrich Wilhelm went on to become the senior vice president of BMW North America.
On 5 June 1956 (their second anniversary) at San Antonio, Prince Friedrich Wilhelm and Princess Maria welcomed the arrival of their only child, Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Christoph von Hanau, Count of Schaumburg. Prince Christoph married Candace McDowell on 13 June 1987 at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Catherine of Siena in Riverside, Connecticut. Over time, Friedrich Wilhelm and Maria were blessed with two grandchildren, Princess Victoria (b.1990) and Prince Maximilian (b.1993).
Prince Friedrich Wilhelm von Hanau died on 4 June 2016 at his home in San Antonio. His wife Princess Maria and his son Prince Christoph were by his bedside. Princess Maria was left a widow after almost precisely sixty-two years of marriage.
Our best wishes to Princess Maria on her birthday!
As we conclude our celebration of Maria von Hanau's remarkable 98th birthday, we are reminded of the incredible journey she has undertaken. From her humble beginnings as a Hungarian refugee to her eventual rise as a princess, Maria's life has been marked by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to her work. Her story serves as a testament to the power of human spirit and the enduring impact that individuals can have on the world. As we reflect on her remarkable life, we are inspired by her unwavering dedication to her passions and her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around her. Maria's legacy is a shining example of the transformative power of human endeavor, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to share her story with you.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we are left with a profound sense of gratitude for the gift of her life. Maria's story is a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for transformation and growth. Her unwavering commitment to her work and her people is a testament to the enduring power of human spirit, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to share her story with you. As we move forward, we are reminded of the importance of embracing our own passions and pursuing our own paths with unwavering dedication and commitment. Maria's remarkable life serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of human endeavor, and we are grateful for the gift of her story.
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