Valentina Rushbrook

Valentina Rushbrook passed away on October 7, 2016, at the age of 91. She had resided at the Ingham County Medical Care Facility in Okemos for almost four years. Born in a small village in Belarus to Sofia Kologretzky (Poland) and Efrem Sorogovets (Belarus) on May 15, 1925, Valentina fled to the Ukraine during World War II along with her mother, Sofia, and sister, Feya (Frances), seeking greater safety and employment. In 1942, as German forces occupied the Ukraine, Valentina, Sofia and Feya were captured and involuntarily deported to Germany and forced into slave labor in a German munitions factory for three and a half years until liberated by the Allies at war's end in 1945. In Kassel, Germany, Valentina met an American G.I., Melvin Charles (“Charlie”) Rushbrook, fell in love, and they were married on May 25, 1946. Valentina arrived in the U.S. on the U.S.S. Holbrook in July of 1946, to be reunited with her beloved Charlie after he was honorably discharged from the service and returned home. She recounted her dramatic life experiences in a published 2003 memoir, Valentina: A Russian War Bride’s Story.

Preceding Valentina in death were her mother Sofia Kologretzky; father Efrem Sorogovets; husband Charlie; sister Feya (Frances) Carleo; brother Vyecheslav Sorogovets; and sister-in-law Jacqueline Rushbrook. She is survived by sons John Charles (and Robin) Rushbrook of Haslett and Charles David (and Antonio) Rushbrook of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; grandson Justin Roys Rushbrook of Lansing; granddaughter Julia Rushbrook (and Cory) Bender of Leesburg, Virginia; great-grandson Trevor James Rushbrook of Lansing; brother-in-law Peter Roys Rushbrook of San Jose, California; and brother-in-law Xavier Raymond Carleo of Clifton, New Jersey.

Valentina greatly appreciated the grace, kindness and tireless assistance and support of the wonderful staff at the Ingham County Medical Care Facility (ICMCF) during her stay there. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory should consider giving in support of the aviary in the Atrium at the ICMCF, where the gentle spirits of the birds lift the hearts of so many.

A memorial service for Valentina is being planned by her family and will be announced at a future date.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.