Bring Ludmila Back to Her Home in Ukraine to Rest in Peace

I never imagined I’d find myself creating a fundraiser—let alone for something as heartbreaking as this.

Ludmila, born and raised in Ukraine, first entered our lives in 2017 as a nanny for my children. Over time, she became much more than that—she became a dear friend to me and to my entire family. She was truly one of a kind, touching every life she encountered with her warmth, kindness, and grace. She was, in every sense, an angel among us.

Before coming to the U.S., Ludmila spent her life shaping young hearts and minds as an elementary school teacher. She was beloved by parents and children alike, often specially requested and always remembered. She and her husband had three beautiful children. Tragically, when her youngest daughter was just eight, Ludmila lost both her parents and her husband within six months. Despite such profound loss, she stayed strong for her children and sought ways to support them. That’s when she made the difficult decision to become a live-in nanny—and I had the privilege of being her first employer. Though she had no experience in that specific role, she exceeded every expectation and became a cherished part of our family.

Ludmila continued to care for children in other families after ours, always leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. In late 2022, after the war in Ukraine began, I sponsored her and her youngest daughter through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program. They moved to the U.S. and started building a new life here, once again bringing light and joy to those around them.

Tragically, and without warning, Ludmila passed away peacefully in her sleep last night. She had no known health issues. Her sudden death has left her youngest daughter orphaned and alone in Dallas, TX.

We are now raising funds to bring Ludmila home to Ukraine so she can be laid to rest beside her beloved husband and parents. The costs of repatriation are significant and far beyond what her grieving family can afford, especially after years of hardship and war.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us honor Ludmila's memory and fulfill this final wish.