Valentyna Gavrilovna Shevchenko

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Valentyna on February 10, 2026, at the age of 87, after a long illness. Valentyna was born on September 27, 1938, in a small village in Russia, the youngest of ten children in a large and loving family. Her childhood was shaped by the hardships of war during the German occupation. She often shared stories from those difficult years, including one she carried in her heart—a German soldier who, seeing her family starving, quietly gave her his food. Even in the darkest times, she remembered acts of humanity and kindness. She grew up strong, resilient, and deeply compassionate—shaped by struggle, but never hardened by it. She was a quiet soul who did not seek attention, yet her presence filled every room. Her beautiful, contagious laugh brought warmth and light to those around her—a joy her family cherished deeply. In 2001, she endured the unimaginable loss of her son. Though her grief changed her, she remained loving and devoted to her family, carrying her sorrow with the same strength and dignity that defined her entire life. We never quite heard that same carefree laughter again, but her love remained unwavering. Valentyna’s life was not marked by grand headlines, but by quiet endurance, deep love, and unshakable devotion to her family. She lived and breathed for her children and grandchildren, sharing in their joys and achievements, and carrying their struggles as if they were her own. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her resilience, her stories of the past, and the love she gave so freely. In the last three years of her life, she battled cancer with courage and perseverance, reflecting the same strength that had defined her from childhood. A lifelong lover of books and words, Valentyna was a devoted librarian with a passion for poetry, crossword puzzles, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her extraordinary memory and delight in discovering the world’s most unique facts made every conversation with her a journey of wonder and learning. She leaves behind a family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts: her twin daughters, Oksana and Iryna; her five grandsons, Yaroslav, Alex, Vladislav, Luke, and Levi; and her 95-year-old sister, Taisia. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Vadim, her husband Anatoliy, and her granddaughter Michelle, who was born on her birthday 67 years later. Her family was her world, and she loved them deeply. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing her suffering has ended and that she is reunited with those she loved. Her memory will live on in the stories she told, in the strength she passed down, and in the love that remains within her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Valentyna Gavrilovna Shevchenko

September 27, 1938 - February 10, 2026