A teacher featured in the famous mural in Avdiivka has passed away in Dnipro. (PHOTO)

On Thursday, February 13, Marina Grigoryevna Marchenko, a teacher of the Ukrainian language and literature from Avdiivka, passed away. Her portrait, depicted as a mural, adorned one of the shell-damaged buildings in the city. This was reported by People’s Deputy from Donbas, Musa Magomedov, as stated by "Vidomo".

Marina Marchenko was a distinguished teacher of Ukraine and an outstanding educator. She remained in Avdiivka even after the city became frontline in 2014 and suffered from regular shelling.

"The war drastically changed Marina Grigoryevna's life. Since 2014, Avdiivka has been under fire, and the teacher was forced to work in conditions of constant danger. Despite the fear and hardships, she stayed in the city, helping children gain knowledge even amidst the sounds of shells,” – reported by the Donetsk Regional State Administration.

In 2014, as a result of shelling, a man related to Marina Grigoryevna was injured.

In 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion, Marina Grigoryevna had to leave her hometown. Her building was destroyed. She moved to the Dnipropetrovsk region.

"I remember our first conversation. She spoke about the children – not about herself, nor about the mural that made her famous, but specifically about her students. Marina Grigoryevna was a distinguished teacher of Ukraine. She taught hundreds of children to love and understand the Ukrainian language. We often communicated. She never asked for herself; she always thought of others. I know how much she loved her city, how she dreamed of walking its streets again, hearing children's laughter in schools, and seeing her beloved walls intact and alive,” – wrote Magomedov.

Unfortunately, Marina Grigoryevna's dream of returning to her hometown after its liberation did not come true. The woman passed away in Dnipro.

Photo: freeradio.com.ua

What is known about the mural "Face of War," featuring Marina Marchenko

In the fall of 2016, Australian artist Guido van Helten arrived in Avdiivka. He painted a portrait of Marina Grigoryevna on a multi-story building that had been shelled by Russian hybrid forces.

Photo: suspilne.media

Due to hostilities and lack of access to current information, the current condition of the building and the mural is unknown. Many buildings in Avdiivka have been destroyed or severely damaged, and the house at 20 Molodizhna Street is likely no exception.