Maryla studied law in England and the United States at a time when there were few women in the law, and taught at law faculties at the London School of Economics and McGill University. She later directed an adjunct program at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law. Maryla was also a committed community volunteer. She served as President of the Victoria United Way and the Victoria Foundation, and on other community boards and foundations, which gave her tremendous professional and personal satisfaction. But her heart was always with the arts. Music, opera and theatre brought joy and passion to Maryla’s life, and gave it meaning and direction. Maryla was dedicated to the arts in Victoria, beginning with the Bastion Theatre Company where she served as President of the board. Her love of music and opera led her to Pacific Opera Victoria . She initially joined the Pacific Opera Victoria board in 1996 and returned again from 2015-2018, where she served as vice-president, and also as Chair of the Pacific Opera Victoria Foundation (2008-2012). Here she broadened the activities of the Bravo Society, which honours and recognizes the generosity and vision of those who are creating a legacy for opera. Her influence and commitment to the arts in Victoria, including Pacific Opera Victoria, were recognized in 2017 when she was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.