Dina Sivoshinsky Gerlovin

Dina Gerlovin (nee Sivoshinsky), of Wayland, MA, deceased on October 1, 2014, is survived by her children—Lev and his wife Samantha, Hanna and her fiancé Josh, and step-son Mark and his wife Nelly. She is also survived by her four grandchildren—Kaia, Ben, Nathan, and Sophie.

Dina was born in St. Petersburg (Leningrad) of the former USSR on May 29, 1947, the only child of Josef and Tasya, but with no shortage of cousins and playmates. While she started as a giggly, coquettish girl with pigtails, she blossomed into an elegant, independent, intellectual young woman, a math teacher enthralled with poetry. Always contrarian and brave, she embraced her Judaism through Soviet persecution, and studied yoga well before it became fashionable.

Although her outer and inner beauty blinded suitors throughout the city, she met her math prodigy companion, Emmanuel, in 1975 while picking up a choice cut of fish from his house. Clearly smitten by each other, the brilliant and dashing pair plunged into marriage, parenthood, and otkaz (denial of emigration to political dissidents).

After finally coming to the US in 1987, Dina and her family were warmly welcomed by the community of Temple Israel of Natick, and established deep and long-lasting bonds with many in the congregation. Beyond this community, Dina and Emmanuel maintained and expanded a network of family and friends across the globe, their phone always ringing off the hook, and their home always bustling with visitors from places and times far away.

After retiring from a programming career at MWRA, where she forged enduring friendships, Dina channeled her creative energy into myriad pursuits—gardening, world art (she studied to become an MFA Associate and initiated the Museum’s Russian tours), teaching yoga, exotic travel, and most importantly grandparenting. Unaccepting of being a glorified chauffer for her four grandkids, Dina developed nuanced relationships with each one, imparting wisdom and nurture in equal measure with chocolates, and hosting them at “Babi camp” in Chatham.

When Emmanuel battled cancer, Dina’s devotion, strength, and spirit were unwavering. With his passing, Dina continued as the matriarch of a far-reaching but close-knit family, and also sought comfort in new friendships, adventures, and self-discovery. She conquered her fear of heights while skiing the Swiss Alps this February. This May, Dina dazzled in a series of “flash mob” performances, keeping up with dancers a third of her age. Dina’s vivacious smile and graceful movements are eternally etched in our memories of her.

Throughout her illness and numerous hospitalizations, Dina maintained connections, offered kind counsel, and laughed with her loved ones. She helped Hanna find a venue, a florist, and—just before her operation—the dress for her upcoming wedding. Dina set clear and uncompromising standards for her life, and dignified terms for her passing. She leaves behind countless family and friends, each richer and more beautiful for having known and loved her. Services at Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford Street, Natick on Thursday October 2 at 12:30pm.The family will be at her late residence on Thursday following the interment and on Friday 11am-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to:

Temple Israel of Natick

145 Hartford St.

Natick, MA 01760

http://tiofnatick.org/Donate

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

465 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02115

https://www.mfa.org/give

Jewish Family Service of Metrowest

475 Franklin Street, Suite 101

Framingham, MA 01702

http://www.jfsmw.org/JFS_giving.html?action_donateReport=1&partner=networkforgood&ein=04-2730898