Ludmila Ruzhansky

Ludmila Ruzhansky, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, at 6:00 p.m. at the age of 95. Her final day was spent surrounded by family, basking in the sun and sharing moments of joy.

Born in Ukraine, Ludmila's life was a testament to strength, resilience, and boundless love. She survived the German occupation in 1942, a young woman whose spirit would prove unbreakable. Her life's great adventure began in the 1950s in Odesa, Ukraine where she met the handsome junior lieutenant and masterful dancer, Vitaly Ruzhansky. Their love story took them on a remarkable journey across continents, from Almaty in 1955 to the vast landscapes of the Russian Far East, Siberia, and Altai in the 1960s, before they returned to Odesa, Ukraine in the 1970s.

More than just a dedicated military wife, Ludmila was a brilliant professional in her own right. For nearly two decades, she was a technologist at the Odesa Champagne Factory, where she played a vital role in creating some of the world's finest sparkling wines.

In the 1990s, she began a new chapter in Columbia, Maryland, where she spent the last 30 years of her life. She was a beacon of joy and a source of wisdom for her family, a pillar of support whose loving guidance and strong spirit were passed on to all she touched. Ludmila was the devoted mother of two daughters, Tatyana Volsky and Angela Ruzhansky, and she warmly embraced her sons-in-law, Roman Volsky and Maxim Gorokhov, as her own. She cherished her role as a grandmother to George Gorokhov, Eugenia Volsky, and Sonya Volsky, and delighted in being a great-grandmother to Jacob.

Ludmila's life was a true blessing, a testament to a life lived with grace and purpose. Her kindness and love enriched all those around her. Her memory will be forever cherished.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, September 8th, at 1:00 p.m. at Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc, 5555 Twin Knolls Rd, Columbia, MD 21045. All who wish to honor her memory are welcome to attend.