She was born December 5, 1922, in Stephanovka, Ukraine to Peter and Natasha Vasilyava. As a young child, she was exiled to Siberia by Stalin, where she faced starvation and inhuman conditions. After escaping with her parents, she returned to Kyiv where she studied chemistry at Kyiv University. Her studies were interrupted by WW II. She was taken to Germany as a prisoner of war. After the war, unable to return home to Kyiv, she immigrated to the US and finally settled in Riverdale, NY. Here, she raised her family, and continued her studies, earning her bachelors degree from Hunter College, and a masters degree in linguistics from Fordham University. In recognition of her scholarship, she was named a National Defense Fellow by the US Government, and awarded a National Defense Fellowship in Eastern European Studies by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. She later studied at the University of Heidelberg, and the Sorbonne in Paris.
An amazing polyglot, speaking seven languages, and superb teacher, she taught French, German, Russian, and Latin at The Riverdale Country School for 20 years. She was respected and loved by students and parents alike.
She was a lover of art, literature, music, and gardening. She tried to create beauty where there was none. She would beautify neglected land, and plant flowers or trees for all to enjoy, including several areas near her home near 246th Street and Henry Hudson Parkway. Throughout her life, she was guided by a profound faith in God, and a sense of compassion.
She is survived by her three children, Natasha, Thomas and Edward; Her Grandchildren, Erena, Everett, Anastasia, John, Alison and Nina; and Great Grandchildren, Amber and Daniel. She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert S. Briggs and son in law, Everett H. Pearsall, III.
This amazing and vibrant woman will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Funeral was private and interment was at Fero Memorial Gardens, Beverly Hills, Florida. Condolences may be left at www.dignitymemorial.com
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