Masha Lysova was a prominent figure of the White movement, coming from a noble family. She participated in World War I and the Civil War, was a Gallipoli veteran, one of the leaders of the Combat Organization of the ROFS, and was involved in terrorist and intelligence activities.

Born into the family of state councilor V. G. Lysov, her mother died shortly after her birth. Masha spent her childhood in the Penza province and in Penza, where she received a good home education. She was passionate about horses from a young age. She continued her education at the Smolny Institute, graduating with a gold medal in 1911. With the onset of World War I, her husband Mikhno went to the front, where he was severely wounded and died in her arms. Three days after his death, Maria gave birth to a daughter and decided to take her husband's place at the front.

She earned her George Crosses when in November 1915, voluntarily offering to guide scouts, she led a unit into the rear of a German company at night, which was destroyed and captured. In another reconnaissance mission, accompanied by two soldiers, she stumbled upon a German outpost that opened fire. One soldier was killed, the other was wounded, but Maria, despite her injury, carried her comrade out from under fire.

In 1919 and 1920, Zakharchenko served as a volunteer in the Armed Forces of the South of Russia in the 15th Ulan Regiment, commanded by her husband. She displayed fearlessness in battles and cruelty towards prisoners, earning the nickname 'Mad Maria.' Zakharchenko-Schultz played a key role in Operation 'Trust,' organized by the Chekists to discredit and dismantle the ROFS, as well as to reduce the activity of the White emigration. She died in 1927, falling into an ambush by the Cheka.