Fanya Rudkevich

Our family is very sad to announce the death of Fanya Rudkevich, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, on March 9, 2020. Fanya's death was sudden due to a massive stroke. Fanya most recently resided in New Albany, OH with her husband Boris of almost 58 years.

Fanya was born in Minsk, Belarus, on March 2, 1940 to Joseph Sloboder and Neisha (Lipshetz) Sloboder. Shortly after her birth, the Nazis invaded Russia and her father Joseph volunteered to fight for his motherland. He was sent to the front lines and was never seen again. He was permanently listed as "missing in action". Fanya and her mother Neisha moved to reside in Leningrad (currently St. Petersburg, Russia). Most of her family members, who were left in Minsk, perished during the Holocaust.

The first years of Fanya's life in Leningrad coincided with the "Blockade (Siege) of Leningrad"- a 900 day military blockade of the city by the Nazi army, cutting it off from any life-sustaining supplies. Over one million people did not survive this blockade. Although weakened and malnourished, Fanya and her mother Neisha survived this ordeal.

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger! Fanya grew up to be a strong, independent woman. She was smart and determined. She graduated with a Master's Degree of Mechanical Engineering from the Leningrad Institute of Civil Engineering. She married Boris Rudkevich, who graduated from the same institute, in 1962. They were married for almost 58 years and had 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

Being Jewish in Russia at that time was very difficult due to anti-Semitism and official government persecution. So, in 1979 Fanya had the foresight and determination to lead the effort to move her family to the USA. The whole family (Fanya, Boris, children, and Boris' mother Minna) settled in Evansville, IN.

Fanya and Boris, both experienced Mechanical Engineers, were gainfully employed and saw their careers flourish. In the last 17 years of her career, Fanya was an engineer/draftswoman at PPG Industries.

Both Fanya and Boris loved traveling through the USA and many foreign countries. Their favorite destination was Israel. After they retired, they moved to New Albany, OH to be close to their daughter Victoria and her family. Fanya and Boris spent many enjoyable winters at Nokomis Village close to Venice, Florida.

Fanya was a person who enjoyed life and made friends easily all over the world. She was feisty, creative, and kind, with a great sense of humor. She was a beautiful compassionate person. She also loved music, art, and literature. Later in life, she and Boris discovered digital photography, and became prominent members of Columbus Camera Club. Fanya won several awards and honorable mentions for her pictures. For almost 10 years Fanya and Boris enjoyed volunteering at the Columbus Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical gardens. For many years Fanya was involved in the "Operation Gratitude" sending care packages to deployed American soldiers. Both Fanya and Boris gave support to many Jewish causes. Finally, Fanya was a "mother" to a dog and several cats in her life. Her latest companion, her black cat "Midnight", was a very special feline daughter to her.

Fanya Rudkevich is preceded in death by her mother Neisha Sloboder and her mother-in-law Minna Rudkevich. She is survived by her loving and grieving family members: her husband Boris Rudkevich, her daughter Victoria Loewengart and son-in-law Steven Loewengart, her son Eugene Rudkevich (Feenix Pan) and her grandchildren Gina, Sophie, Alexa, and Byron. Our sweet Fanya, "mama", and "babushka" will be sorely missed by all.

The memorial service for Fanya Rudkevich, officiated by Rabbi Benjy Bar-Lev, will be held at 12 noon on Sunday, March 15, at Schoedinger Funeral Home - Northeast Chapel at 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Fanya Rudkevich's memory to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (https://www.fpconservatory.org/)