Elena Maria Catargiu-Obrenović, also known as Marija Obrenović, was a Moldavian and United Principalities boyaress. She was born to Boyar Constantin Catargiu and Romanian noblewoman Smaranda Balș. Elena Maria married Miloš Obrenović, with whom she had a son, Milan, in 1854. However, the couple divorced soon after. In the early 1860s, she became the mistress of Domnitor Alexandru Ioan Cuza and had two sons with him. After the assassination of Prince Michael III of Serbia, her son Milan ascended the throne as the new Prince of Serbia. Tragedy struck her family as her younger son Dimitrie committed suicide in 1888, and Alexandru died the following year. Following the fall of Cuza, Elena Maria settled in Germany and became the lady in waiting to Empress Augusta. In 1876, after being diagnosed with cancer, she committed suicide in Dresden. Elena Maria Catargiu-Obrenović was buried in the Catargiu family mausoleum in Iasi. Her legacy lives on through her son, King Milan I of Serbia, and her contributions to the history of Moldavia and Serbia.

Marija Ružička Strozzi (3 August 1850 – 28 September 1937) was a renowned Croatian actress, celebrated for her exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts. Born in Litovel, Moravia, she demonstrated her passion for the stage from a young age and honed her skills under the guidance of accomplished mentors. Initially trained in singing, Strozzi transitioned to acting after a vocal injury, embarking on a successful career that spanned theaters across Croatia and beyond.Throughout her illustrious career, Strozzi captivated audiences with her versatile performances, portraying a wide range of characters in classical comedies, tragedies, civil dramas, and operas. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and resilience in the face of adversity earned her widespread admiration and acclaim. Strozzi's legacy endures through various tributes, including memorial plaques, bronze busts, and a park named in her honor.Beyond her artistic achievements, Strozzi cherished her family life, marrying marquess Ferdinand de Strozzi and raising eight children. Despite personal challenges, she remained dedicated to her homeland and was recognized as an esteemed member of several prestigious cultural and social organizations. Strozzi's lasting impact on Croatian theater and her enduring legacy continue to inspire and resonate with audiences and artists alike.