 | I visited Wernigerode because Doris came here after being reported from British India in 1915. All I could learn about her time in war torn Germany was that she died in Wernigerode. Leyla and I walked around trying to figure out why she was here, where she may have lived and where she was buried |
We discovered that in the 18th century the pietist count family was very supportive of missions. Missionaries, trained in Halle, to be sent out by Danish mission, were ordained in the church of the castle. There was a strong connection to missionaries and India in Wernigerode. But it all seems wiped from the town's memory after two world wars and GDR rule. As we asked around a few people knew there was some connection, but nothing more. Could it be Doris came because there was some sponsor or support group here?
Eventually we would learn that Doris was buried in near by Hasselrode and most likelylived near the church there. Her grave and that of Marie and Paul Wagner is no longer visible, because in Germany if a grave is not cared for by the family after 25 years the plot is given away. After our search I came to a realization that Doris last few years were very lonely. When her son in law and daughter died before who was there to care for her or hurry her? Perhaps her two youngest daughters were there until she died, then they went on their way. She was living in a magical beautiful place but how dark were those days?
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