Vira RichVira RichPoet, Translator, Author, Compiler, Editor.Poet, Translator, Author, Compiler, Editor.

((AprilApril 24, 1936 – 24, 1936 – DeDeccemberember 20, 2009) 20, 2009)

Born Faith Elizabeth Joan in 1936 in Born Faith Elizabeth Joan in 1936 in Canonbury, North London, but widely known Canonbury, North London, but widely known as Vira — the direct Ukrainian translation of as Vira — the direct Ukrainian translation of FaithFaith

Vira Rich has made a major contribution Vira Rich has made a major contribution to Ukrainian literature in translation.to Ukrainian literature in translation.

Mrs. Rich has lectured on Slavonic Mrs. Rich has lectured on Slavonic literatures at the University of literatures at the University of Birmingham and to literary societies and Birmingham and to literary societies and organizations in London, Edinburgh, organizations in London, Edinburgh, Munich, Utrecht and ParisMunich, Utrecht and Paris

She was human rights activist. Vira Rich She was human rights activist. Vira Rich was deeply involved with pro-democracy was deeply involved with pro-democracy movements in Ukraine. movements in Ukraine.

Rich was a founder of the International Rich was a founder of the International Sakharov Environmental University. Sakharov Environmental University.

Vira Rich died in London on December 20, Vira Rich died in London on December 20, 2009. She was buried, according to her desire 2009. She was buried, according to her desire near Taras Shevchenko’s grave. On April 15, near Taras Shevchenko’s grave. On April 15, 2011 an urn of her ashes was entombed in the 2011 an urn of her ashes was entombed in the “Kozak” cemetery in Kaniv. “Kozak” cemetery in Kaniv.

At the time of her death, Rich was working to At the time of her death, Rich was working to complete the translation of Shevchenko’s complete the translation of Shevchenko’s Kobzar collection of poetry in time for the Kobzar collection of poetry in time for the 150th anniversary of the poet’s passing in 150th anniversary of the poet’s passing in 2011. Led by Shevchenko’s most famous 2011. Led by Shevchenko’s most famous poem, Testament, she wrote: poem, Testament, she wrote:

“ “Then in that great family,Then in that great family, A family new and free,A family new and free, Do not forget, with good intent Do not forget, with good intent Speak quietly of me.”Speak quietly of me.”