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Hi all:

Those of you who have been following my blog for a while might remember that I’ve sometimes shared posts about my mother’s family, in particular about two of her uncles, Josep and Conrado, (although she never got to meet them) who fled Spain during the Civil War, went to France, helped the efforts of the French Resistance and one of them died in Paris and the other one in Mauthausen.

Here my cousin, Joan Molet, next to the picture of one of our uncles, Conrado Miret Musté, who died for France

I was aware of some of that but learned much more thanks to a cousin, Joan Molet, who started digging into the family history and became involved with the Amical Mauthausen, helping organise visits to the camp, assisting those looking for information about relatives, and contributing to the effort to keep the memory of those events alive  (going to schools, doing presentations…). Through his effort and insistence, we finally found out that Conrado had died in Paris, as a result of torture, in the Prison de la Santé and now there’s a plaque there in his memory. (I saw it recently when I visited a friend in Paris).

Unfortunately, my cousin fell ill over a year ago and despite a variety of treatments and time spent in hospital, I got news that he passed away last week. He leaves a wife and two children, and he’ll be sorely missed by friends, work colleagues at Oxfam and all who knew him. I came to know him more through to his work in recovering family history (as through my years in the UK I’d lost touch) and I’ll sure miss his updates, his dedication and his energy.

I’ve shared many posts based on the information he gave me, but here is one I dedicated to him:

Family Stories. My cousin, Joan Molet, and his efforts to not allow the memories to disappear.

Rest in peace. I know he’s made a difference to many people’s lives. Sending all my love to his mother, wife and children.

Thanks to all of you for reading.

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OlgaNunez
I was born in Barcelona and have lived in the UK for many years now. I'm a writer, translator (English-Spanish and vice-versa) and I'm a medical doctor and worked in Forensic Psychiatry many years. I also have a BA and a PhD in American Literature and Film, and a Masters in Criminology. I've always loved books and apart from writing them I review them often. I write a bit of everything, check my books for more information and my about page for links. My blog is bilingual, English and Spanish.

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Comments (25)

  1. So sorry for your loss, Olga. Sending love and hugs.

    1. Thanks, Michele. Very sad news indeed.

  2. dgkaye says:

    I’m sorry to hear of your loss Olga. You have memories now to cherish. Hugs and good wishes for you. <3

    1. Thanks, Debby.

  3. You are ensuring his memory stays alive Olga. I’m sorry for your loss.
    xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx

    1. Thanks so much, David. Big hugs and I hope your week is good.

  4. Oh Olga… I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember your wonderful posts relating to Joan very well. This is very sad, especially since you were only recently getting to know one another. My sincere condolences. Love and hugs.

    1. Thanks, Teagan. You’re right, of course. Although he was ill it was unexpected. Thanks for your words, Teagan.

  5. Oh, Olga, I am so sorry. My heartfelt sympathy, dear friend. Sending you a warm embrace

    1. Thanks so much, Erika. The support means a lot to me.

      1. Hugging you again

  6. I’m so sorry, Olga. I was very struck by his determination and this must be such a horrible loss for the family. Do take care. You have my sympathy in spades. x

    1. Thanks so much, Sarah. You’re right. He kept fighting for those who no longer had a voice. His family is devastated.

  7. I’m so sorry for your loss, Olga. Sending kind thoughts and a hug. I’m sure your cousin and his work will not be forgotten.

    1. Thanks so much, Mary, for your kind words. He touched many people’s lives and I’m sure you’re right and he won’t be forgotten.

  8. I remember that article, and I find your family history fascinating, given my long interest in the Spanish Civil War. So sad to lose Joan, but you have given him a lovely tribute, and will continue to remember him
    Best wishes, Pete. x

    1. Thanks, Pete. The family history helped us meet, for sure. I’ll to try and keep digging… And I still want to visit Mauthausen although it’s late to get organised this year. I hoped we’d go with him but that’s no longer possible. Take care and have a great week.

  9. Sorry to hear your sad news, Olga. What a loss. Hugs to you!

    1. Thanks, Colleen. Have a good break.

        1. Thank you.

  10. Wendy Janes says:

    So sorry for your loss, Olga. Take care.

    1. Thanks, Wendy. Very sad.

  11. I’m still reading about your cousin’s research, but I just wanted to send sympathy to you and his family for his sad loss. There is a lot of work in his kind of research and it is wonderful that he remembered these men for the sacrifice they made of their lives in the cause of all of our futures.

    1. Thanks, Hilary. It’s very sad for his family and a very great loss as he’d worked so hard but I’m sure he’ll be remembered.

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