Stalin and Voroshiiov mount guard over remains of Lenin's sister, dictators first appearance since 'purge'. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet dictator made his first appearance in public since the execution of the Red Army generals when, with Marshal Voroshilov, the War Commissioner, he stood in the guard of honour over the remains of Maria Ilyinichna Ulyanova, sister of Lenin and one of the founders of the Communist State. The lying in state took place in the Hall of Columns of the House of Trade Unions in Moscow. Photo shows, Stalin (right) and Marshal Voroshilov, mounting guard over the flower decked urn of Maria Ilynichna Ulyanova in Moscow. 21 June 1937