Mariska Veres was a Dutch singer who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the rock group Shocking Blue, best known for their 1970 hit song “Venus”. She had a distinctive voice and a striking appearance, often compared to a young Cher. She also had a successful solo career and explored various musical genres, from pop to jazz to gypsy music. But her life was cut short by a rare and aggressive form of cancer that took her away at the age of 59. What was the cause of death of Mariska Veres and how did she cope with her illness?
The Diagnosis
Mariska Veres was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in November 2006, just three weeks before her death. Gallbladder cancer is a rare and often fatal type of cancer that affects the small organ that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. According to the Mayo Clinic, gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect and diagnose because it often causes no signs or symptoms until it has spread to other organs. The exact causes of gallbladder cancer are unknown, but some risk factors include gallstones, chronic inflammation, obesity, and family history.
According to the Dutch news agency ANP, Veres had been feeling unwell for some time and had visited several doctors, but none of them suspected cancer. She finally underwent a scan that revealed the extent of her disease. She had tumors in her gallbladder, liver, and intestines, and the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and bones. She was told that there was no hope for a cure and that she had only a few weeks to live.
The Treatment
Veres decided to undergo chemotherapy to try to slow down the progression of the cancer and to ease her pain. She also received alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and homeopathy, according to her manager. She was determined to fight the disease and to stay positive. She told her friends and family that she was not afraid of death and that she believed in reincarnation. She said that she had lived a full and happy life and that she had no regrets.
Veres also continued to work on her music until the end. She recorded a new version of “Venus” with the pianist and bandleader Dolf de Vries, which was released posthumously in 2007. She also performed with her band, the Shocking Jazz Quintet, at a jazz festival in The Hague in November 2006, just a week before her death. She received a standing ovation from the audience, who were unaware of her condition.
The Farewell
Veres died on December 2, 2006, at her home in The Hague, surrounded by her loved ones. She was cremated at a private ceremony, attended by her family, friends, and colleagues. Her ashes were scattered in the North Sea, as she had wished. She left behind a legacy of music that touched millions of fans around the world. She was remembered as a talented, charismatic, and courageous singer who never gave up on her dreams.
According to the Independent, her former bandmate Robby van Leeuwen said: “She had a very impressive voice, quite different from all the other girl singers. She was rather like Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane. Once she joined, everything happened very quickly. The first single we did was ‘Venus’ in 1969. In one year, everything we dreamed about happened. It sold millions around the world and gave other Dutch groups a belief in their own potential.”
