We hope you enjoyed the preview of our interview series on Anna Pavelka, the woman behind Cather’s character, Ántonia Shimerda. To officially launch the series, we will first hear from Anna’s great-granddaughter, Paula Hempel Daharsh. Paula shares her memories through photographs, hand-crafted heirlooms, and the stories of her grandfather, Leo Pavelka. Even though Paula never had the opportunity to meet Anna, this interview is evidence of how love and respect for one woman can be passed down for generations.

As we continue with our series Remembering Ántonia, we will hear from Anna Sadilek Pavelka's grandson, Kent Pavelka. Although Kent was a young boy when Anna passed away, he recounts the quiet and loving personality of his grandmother. He also shares stories passed down from his father, Edward, about their trips to “Cather Country.” As recounted in this interview, Kent is passionate about relaying the similarities between the lives of Cather’s character, Ántonia, to Anna Pavelka.

The final interview of our "Remembering Ántonia" series is with someone who is very close to our hearts, as this member of Anna Sadilek Pavelka's family has spent decades telling Anna’s story and supporting the Willa Cather Foundation's educational mission. We are honored to introduce Anna’s granddaughter, Antonette Willa Skupa Turner. Antonette has spent countless hours speaking to groups of all ages about Anna, Cather, and Webster County. We hope you'll enjoy an intimate look at the life of Anna Pavelka as Antonette recounts her memories of her grandmother's life—as well as her traits, skills, and attributes.