Galina E. Gerner

Galina E. Gerner of Sharon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 101 years of age. Daughter of the late Ezekiel Moiseivich Shnaderman and Sophia Avromovna Kodish. Loving wife of the late Mikhail Gerner. Beloved mother of Alexander Gerner. Cherished grandmother of Mark Gerner and Elizabeth Gerner. Great-grandmother of Sophia Gerner, Mikaela Gerner, and Olivia Gerner. Sister of the late Faina Shnaderman and the late Benjamin Shnaderman. Aunt to Yuriy Bykhovskiy.

Galina was born on December 17, 1923, in Zhitomir, Ukraine. At a young age her parents’ home was taken and redistributed by the Soviet Government, and her father was sent to a work camp in Siberia. She would travel by herself to visit him. His detention and the challenges that her family faced throughout this period got her interested in a career in law. After World War II Galina attended University, Law School and upon graduation became a public defender. Galina’s life was shaped by integrity and service. She built a distinguished career as a public defender during one of the most complex chapters in Russian history. At a time when the law was often more tool than shield, she stood firm in her belief that every person regardless of their circumstance deserved a voice and a fair defense. Her courtroom was not a place for compromise, but for courage. She represented the marginalized, the accused, often at great personal and professional risk. One of her most defining moments came early in her career, when she was assigned to defend a young Jewish physician, Dr. Mikhail Gerner, who had been swept up in Stalin’s purges on medical professionals. After returning from the war, Mikhail stood at risk of losing his career, his home and reputation, accused of treason against the State. She took on his case against all odds and secured his innocence. In defending him, she found not just a cause but a kindred spirit. Galina and Mikhail got married in 1953, had a son, Alexander, in 1956 and built a life together rooted in mutual respect and resilience. They were married for more than 50 years until Mikhail’s death in 2004.

To her colleagues, she was brilliant and unflinching. To her clients, she was hope. To her family and friends, she was an incredible storyteller, had a sharp wit, strong dignity, and boundless love for her family. No one could match her toasts and baking at family gatherings. She was the ultimate Matriarch.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10 AM at Kopaigorod Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury.