In Memory of Julia Gavrilova

Hi Everyone,

On August 25, 2023 my friend Julia Gavrilova passed away after losing her battle with ovarian cancer.

Julia was a super intelligent, talented and kind individual. She was also fiercely independent. As many of you know, she came to the US many years ago by herself. She didn’t have her immediate family in the country but through the years, she was able to find her community both professionally and personally.

That independent spirit carried on until her very last days, not disclosing her condition even to her closest friends. When it became impossible for her to care for her elderly dogs who have been her companions for many years, she put them to sleep. Knowing her and how much they meant to her, especially Basha, I’m certain that the pain and sadness of going through that rivaled, if not surpassed the physical pain she was in. It was even more heartbreaking to learn that she went through this alone for the most part.

Come to think of it, that was Julia’s character. She would be the first one to help out her friends, colleagues and causes that are dear to her but did not want to worry anybody about herself.

Thankfully, the folks over at St Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Long Island, NY headed by Fr John Klingel and his family were able to be with her in her last moments and make the arrangements to lay her to rest. She is survived by her sister, nephew and brother in law who are all overseas.

Julia’s final resting place is located in Huntington Rural Cemetery. I’m starting a fundraiser to get her a headstone and cover some of the funeral expenses. Please consider donating via this GoFundMe or through St Andrews .

Thank you for reading and taking the time

to remember a dear friend. She is greatly missed and will never be forgotten.

-Mer