Astrid's Life - Eulogy by Peter Soer

Tribute to Astrid Zydower, 6th July 2005 Peter Soer

Goodmorning everyone. I am Peter Soer - nephew of Astrid, and of Manfred, and son of Anita and Frank. I would like to say a few words - for myself, and on behalf of my mother Anita, sister to Astrid, and I feel honoured to do so among such a group of Astrid's valued friends and family members.

Many people spend much of their short time in this world trying to make an impression, trying to be someone. Astrid meanwhile was someone without trying - she was Astrid. She walked gently on this earth, being herself- and yet she left a lasting impression on all those who knew her.. and on the many thousands more who see her work.

For me that impression is of

A wonderfully talented artist & sculptor.

I have a wonderful list of her commissions, which is too long to read out, but includes for example:

Among other sculptures a fifty-foot long scene and sculptures of Elizabeth and Essex at court watching "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - for the 1964 Shakespeare Exhibition directed by Richard Buckle.

For the British Pavilion Expo '67, 45 larger than life sculptures representing "Britain Today", for which Astrid's MBE was awarded.

A bust of Dame Marie Rambert, now displayed in the National Gallery in London & the Museum of Performing Arts New York, &

For St. Paul's Cathedral, a Life Size Nativity Scene displayed each year at Christmas for 15 years and since 1989 in Lincoln Cathedral.

She loved art, she lived art. She loved the companionship of those great friends she made through the profession she loved. And though she was so wonderfully talented and a very determined artist, she was very humble about her achievements.

Secondly...A delightful, kind and thoughtful friend

Astrid saw the good in people, and she could converse and laugh about all manner of things - which helped to make each one of us feel relaxed and happy when around her.
She was a kind and sharing person: Many of us here today have felt the warmth of time spent with Astrid in her home - eating drinking and laughing.

& thirdly A loving Sister

I am sure I can speak for Manfred, and I know I can speak for Anita, when I say that Astrid brought a deep love and delicious twinkle of fun into their lives.

Astrid is I am sure watching us now, rosie cheeked, twinkle-eyed and with a glass of wine in her hand.
We will miss you Astrid. You leave each of us a little warmer - a little better - touched by your art, your friendship and your sisterly love.
You will persist in our hearts and through your art you will provoke thoughts and emotions in the hearts and minds of many in the years to come.