Sophia’s mother passed away on Tuesday. Today is the funeral. It was unexpected, since it was her husband who was bedridden.
Fanya had an interesting and adventurous life, which took her from the horrors of war-torn Soviet Union to present-day Los Angeles, in order to be close to her only child, Sophia. Fanya was so proud when she became an American citizen.
The love of her life was her husband, Vartan. She met him in Odessa, Ukraine, where he was her doctor. They had a long and passionate relationship. Fanya and Vartan were inseparable. When Vartan grew ill six months ago, everyone thought it best to put Vartan in a convalescence home. We told her that it would require too much work. She refused to discuss the issue. Despite having an aide, and the help of her family, Fanya was her husband’s primary caregiver, dealing with all the physical strain and lack of sleep. Even as we saw her weakening from the stress, she refused to leave her husband’s side.
Yesterday, Sophia told Vartan the news of his wife’s passing. He is very distraught, especially about being too ill to attend the funeral.
Out of a total coincidence, my mother had a flight coming to visit us today in LA, so she will be attending as well.
Fanya was a bigger-than-life woman. She was tough in spirit, but also extremely caring to others, and will be very very missed.
If you want to send a message to Sophia, you can do it here or send me an email.
She sounds like an amazing person. What a fighter. Sophia, I’m so sorry for your loss. You too, Neil.
xoxoxo
(And to Sophia’s father, too. Duh. Was momentarily stricken from sadness. Words, they aren’t always my friends.)
I am sorry to hear about the loss, my condolences to Sophia and family.
Sophia~ I am so sad to hear of your mother’s passing. There are no words. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.