Roza Krasik

Born in Ukraine in 1927, Roza moved to Leningrad, Russia, at just six months old with her family. Her childhood was permanently marked by history when, at the age of 14, World War II broke out and she and her family had to evacuate due to the Siege of Leningrad. The family’s journey of survival took them through several displacements, leading them to a suburb of Kyiv and later to Poltava, Ukraine.

For Roza, May 9th (Victory Day) always held a deeply personal meaning. Roza was 18 years old when the war ended, and driven by a fierce determination to become a physician, she convinced her father to journey back with her to Leningrad, where she grew up so she could pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric physician.

As a young Jewish woman in the post-war Soviet Union, she faced immense systemic obstacles. Though advised by others to alter her patronymic name, Israelovna, to avoid rampant discrimination, she courageously refused to compromise her identity. Relying instead on her brilliant intelligence, she passed the highly competitive medical school entrance exams on her own terms.Though challenging at first, Roza built a long and deeply meaningful career. She went on to work for many years as a pediatric ophthalmologist, caring for the sight of children.

In the early 1990s, after both of her sons moved to Boston, Roza and her husband, Boris, immigrated to the United States to be near them, and built a new life.

Roza was a thoughtful and dignified woman who appreciated the beauty of a quiet life. She loved walking outdoors in nice weather, reading Russian literature, and watching classical music concerts on Russian television. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Israel and Haiya; her beloved husband, Boris Krasik; and her sons, Joseph and Ilya Krasik.

Her memory will be forever cherished, and she will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Ilya, David, and Maya Krasik, as well as by her extended family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her for her resilience and unwavering love for her family.

Service Information:

● Funeral Service: A service will be held on Friday, August 21 at 11:00 AM at Chevra Shaas Cemetery (776 Baker St, West Roxbury, MA 02132).

● Reception: A reception will follow at 1:00 PM at the Golda Meir House (160 Stanton Ave, Auburndale, MA).