Vladimir Ivasyuk's friend Maria Marchuk, to whom the composer dedicated "Chervona Ruta," has passed away.

In Chernivtsi, doctor and life companion of Volodymyr Ivasiuk, Maria Marchuk (Sokolovska), has passed away. It was to her that the renowned poet and composer dedicated the song "Chervona Ruta".

This was reported on Facebook by the deputy head of the Chernivtsi regional council, Volodymyr Ivasiuk's nephew Mykhailo Pavliuk, as conveyed by Ukrinform.

"With great sorrow, I learned the news that on Christmas Day, Maria Ivanivna Marchuk (Sokolovska) departed this world. A wonderful doctor and an exceptionally educated woman, mother of three medical children, close to our entire family and the life companion of Volodymyr Ivasiuk. Musia, as the composer called her, invited her to play in his ensemble, consulted with her, shared his innermost thoughts, dedicated songs to her, and signed the original of the first 'Chervona Ruta' for her," - reads Pavliuk's post.

He noted that Maria Marchuk's integrity was always evident. She was one of the few who attended Ivasiuk's funeral in Lviv, consistently defended his honorable name throughout his life, and preserved memories and the best stories about his creativity and legacy.

"Music and medicine, integrity, competence, and love for their homeland always united them," added the composer's nephew.

He published archival photos, including a manuscript of the lyrics to the song "Chervona Ruta" with Volodymyr Ivasiuk's signature.

During her lifetime, Maria Marchuk recalled in a media comment the moment when Ivasiuk dedicated the song to her:

"In 1969, during a break between orchestra rehearsals, Volodya sang his composition to me. Then there was a regular lecture, during which he handed me a sheet with the text of 'Chervona Ruta'. At the bottom – a signature: 'Musia from Volodya. III pair on derm...' – I still keep that piece of paper. Dear to my heart words, written in Volodya's hand," - she noted.

Maria Marchuk will be buried on Friday, December 27, at the Central Cemetery of Chernivtsi.

Volodymyr Ivasiuk was a genius composer and singer who made Ukrainian pop music famous worldwide. By profession a doctor, and by calling — a violinist, pianist, cellist, guitarist, and a songwriter who refused to write in Russian.

Photo: facebook.com/mykhailo.pavliuk