Lidiya Volodarska

Lidiya Volodarska, age 91, passed peacefully surrounded by love. She was born in Illintsi, Ukraine, and lived a life marked by resilience, intellect, and deep devotion to her family.

Lidiya was the beloved wife of the late Vladimir Israelavich Volodarsky. During her childhood, she survived the Holocaust by escaping with her parents, fleeing to Uzbekistan, where her sister Tamara was born. After the war, the family returned to Ukraine, though much of their extended family had tragically been lost. These early experiences shaped Lidiya’s strength, perseverance, and compassion for the rest of her life.

She graduated from the University of Odessa and worked as an engineer for most of her professional career, a role that reflected her intelligence, discipline, and determination. In 1993, Lidiya immigrated to the United States with her family, beginning a new chapter later in life with courage and optimism. During this time, she lovingly helped care for her granddaughter as the family settled into a new country.

Lidiya was deeply committed to learning and personal growth. She attended English classes every week, determined to become proficient, and took great pride in her progress. She was an avid reader and maintained her own personal library at home, finding joy, comfort, and connection through books.

Above all, Lidiya cherished her family. She is survived by her daughter Irina, son-in-law Gennadiy Sherman, granddaughter Diana Sherman and her significant other Nick, and her treasured great-grandson Anthony. She loved spending time with her family, traveling together, and exploring the country she came to call home. Her presence was steady, loving, and wise — a source of guidance and warmth to generations.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026 at Fairview Cemetery 200 Whitman Ave. West Hartford, CT. 06107 at 11:00am.

Lidiya Volodarska’s life was one of survival, perseverance, curiosity, and love. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the values she embodied, and the stories that will continue to be told in her memory. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered