Last Surviving Member of Von Trapp Family Dead at 99

Maria Von Trapp, Last Surviving Member of Von Trapp Family, Dies at 99
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File-This July 25, 2008 file photo shows Maria von Trapp, daughter of Austrian Baron Georg von Trapp, smiling during a press conference at the Villa Trapp in Salzburg, Austria. The last surviving member of the famous Trapp Family Singers made famous in “The Sound of Music” died this week at her home in Vermont. She was 99.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
STOWE, Vt. -- Maria von Trapp, the last surviving member and second-eldest daughter of the musical family whose escape from Nazi-occupied Austria was the basis for "The Sound of Music," has died. She was 99.

Von Trapp died at her home in Vermont on Tuesday, according to her brother Johannes von Trapp.

"She was a lovely woman who was one of the few truly good people," he said. "There wasn't a mean or miserable bone in her body. I think everyone who knew her would agree with that."

Maria von Trapp was the last surviving member of the seven original Trapp Family Singers made famous in "The Sound of Music." Their story was turned into a Broadway musical in 1959 and a 1965 film, which won the Oscar for best picture. Trapp was portrayed as Louisa in the film and musical.

She was the third child and second-oldest daughter of Austrian Naval Capt. Georg von Trapp and his first wife, Agathe Whitehead von Trapp. Their seven children were the basis for the singing family in the musical and film.

"The Sound of Music" was based loosely on a 1949 book by von Trapp's second wife, also Maria von Trapp, who died in 1987. It tells the story of an Austrian woman who married a widower with seven children and teaches them music.

In 1938, the family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria. After they arrived in New York, the family became popular with concert audiences. The family eventually settled in Vermont, where they opened a ski lodge in Stowe.

Von Trapp played accordion and taught Austrian dance with sister Rosmarie at the lodge.

She wrote in a biography posted on the Trapp Family's website that she was born in the Austrian Alps after her family fled fighting from World War I.

"Growing up we were surrounded by music. Father played the violin, accordion and mandolin. Mother played piano and violin," she wrote. "I have fond memories of our grandmother playing the piano for us after meals."

Her biography on the website also said that she worked as a lay missionary in Papua, New Guinea.

Rosmarie von Trapp, Johannes von Trapp and Eleonore Von Trapp Campbell were born to Georg von Trapp and Maria von Trapp.

R.I.P. On the news it said she was 110.

The news would be commenting on the step-mom of the children (the part played by Julie Andrews)  She died in 1987 and would be 110 if still alive.....This is one of the last 7 children that passed away.  She was 99 years old....People were all confused on who passed, but it was the last of the 7 children, not the step-mom, Maria.  Maria, the step-mom, was born in 1905 and Georg-Baron Von Trapp was born in 1880.  I did not realize there was a 25 year difference in their ages.....Maria, the daughter, was born in 1914, so there was a 9 year difference in her and step-mother, Maria....    

Real Von Trapp Family Info

Oh I see. I guess I'm one who got confused.

wow she lived a long life.

Lisa wrote:

When I first read about that, my initial reaction was sadness at the loss of the last tie to the original seven "kids". . . But then I couldn't help but think of what a reunion they must be having in Heaven.    What music they must be making there now!

I love that thought.   And remember the grandkids that sang on the Oprah show? It's neat to think of the legacy the VonTrapp children have passed on.  

And yes, the name "Maria" was confusing how your mind immediately goes to Maria the nun. I had to think a minute too!!!