A SERVICE in memory of a Russian woman who came to live in Pembrokeshire after falling in love with a local man is to take place next week.
In keeping with the traditions of her home country, the memorial service to remember Mrs. Olga Anatol-Evna Phillips will take place on the first anniversary of her death, next Thursday, May 8.
Born in 1946 in Uzbekistan, Olga spent 32 years of her life in the opera, before giving up her life to move to the other side of the world after she fell in love with Gerry Phillips, of Manorbier.
The couple met in 1995, when Olga was visiting her daughter, Roxanne, who lives in Cardigan.
"I knew Roxanne and her husband through our love of jazz," explained Gerry.
"Roxanne had some American visitors staying at the time and she asked me if her mother could come and stay with me," he continued.
"I said yes, and over the next four months we became very close."
And in the touching love story that unfolded Olga, who also has a son, Oscar, returned home only briefly, before giving up everything to begin a new life with Gerry at Dewing Avenue in February 1996.
The day after her arrival, the couple paid a visit to St. Mary's Church, Tenby, where they thanked God for bringing them together again.
Then, in something of a whirlwind romance, Gerry proposed to Olga; she said yes and they were married at Pembroke Register Office just five months later on July 20.
"We spent many happy times together and Olga made many friends here," Gerry continued.
"She worked in the Tenovus shop, learnt to speak English and became quite well-known for her cooking."
Sadly, their life together turned to sadness when Olga was diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas 1999.
Despite the best efforts of doctors and nurses who treated her, the cancer proved incurable and she passed away last year at the age of 55.
"Olga was a brave, kind, gentle, loving woman with a beautiful way of life and a smile to greet everyone she met," said Gerry.
"She was my Golden Girl. She was a gift from God and I thank him for the love and the devotion she gave to me through our married life," he continued.
"She liked everyone she met and everyone liked her and I hope as many of our friends and neighbours who knew Olga and have helped me through the last 12 months will come."
The memorial service takes place at St. James Church, Manorbier, at 11 am, and all are welcome.