Who is Mrs. Machova from Under a Cruel Star: A Life in Prague 1941-1968 and what is their importance?

Mrs. Machova is an older woman who is apparently a friend of the family prior to World War II. While Kovály seeks shelter in Prague prior to the end of the war, Machova offers some food and occasional shelter. After the war, Machova remains a friend and often assists Kovály with domestic tasks and serves as a babysitter. Machova is the sole non-related person in the book who is always dependable and reliab