The Charismatic Livia Maiorescu–Dymsza – A Life Between Romania and Lithuania

You probably haven’t heard about this talented Romanian woman but Lithuanians know her very well for more than 100 years!

Romanian translator Livia Maiorescu-Dymsza was born in 1863. Her father was one of the most important Romanian state politicians of the end of the 19th century, a former prime minister, scientist, writer, and lawyer Titus Livius Maiorescu.

From a very young age, Livia became interested in literature. The father may have influenced this because she often saw him writing and making translations. Livia followed her father’s footsteps and even translated Mark Twain‘s novels into the Romanian language. Also, she was in love with singing and playing the piano.

Maiorescu’s family had pretty impressive connections. They even knew the doctor of King Carol I. Through this acquaintance, Livia became a member of the palace staff. However, she had an affair with one of the royal orchestra’s pianists. And, „work romances“ were not tolerated in King‘s palace, so she had to leave immediately.

Thereafter she went to Berlin, where she met her husband-to-be. He was a descendant of the aristocrats of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, nobleman Eugenijus Dimša. He immediately gained his father-in-law’s trust. Titus was impressed by Dimša‘s German language skills because he believed that this language is the most beautiful language in the world. Eugenijus and Livia got married in 1892. Straight after that, they moved to Lithuania. It was a beautiful Ilzenberg Manor. Not long after that, they had three daughters.

Titus Livius Maiorescu had a chance to visit his daughter in their new home. In 1902 in his memoirs he wrote, that he liked the manor very much. Titus was impressed by Lithuanian surroundings and the fact that they had a church very close to their home.

Livia was a Romanian lady and she was keen to share her culture with. She was famous for her beautiful voice and unheard songs which she was always singing to her stuff of manor. People who were working for her said that she was very kind-hearted. From time to time she was preparing small gifts for them.

At the beginning of World War I the family had to leave Lithuania and move to Russia. In 1917 the revolution broke out in Russia, so they moved to Sweden. Unfortunately, sad times came to Livia‘s family. Her husband got cancer, and after a few months died.

Even Livia Maioriscu had to leave Lithuania, but 40 years of living there did a huge influence on her and her children’s life. As well as this charismatic lady left very nice memories in minds of Lithuanian people.

Author: Emilija Lideikytė

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