Faina Sokolover

Faina Sokolover née Frumina, loving mother and beloved grandmother, is survived by her daughter, Marianna (Brian) Sugarman; grandchildren Julianna and Simon; sister Tanya (Zakhar) Pesin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander "Sasha" Sokolover.

Faina immigrated from Leningrad, Russia to the United States in the late 1970s in search for a better life. She was one of the first in her family to start the immigration process and paved the way for several families to follow in her footsteps. Faina first immigrated to New York (where she met Alexander "Sasha"), then California. Once settled in California, Faina spent the majority of her career as a Realtor, specializing in helping other immigrant Russian families build their American dream. She was a knowledgeable and warm resource for the community, and many leaned on her for her wisdom as they planted their roots in the United States.

Faina’s pride and joy was her daughter, Marianna. They did everything together. While growing up, Marianna would accompany Faina to work, helping her with Open Houses and showing properties to clients. They traveled together, with some key highlights including trips to Las Vegas, Disneyland, and European vacations such as Barcelona, London, Paris, and Rome. Faina loved to shop and would pick up sentimental treasures from her travels. Her favorites were always vases and jewelry.

When Marianna grew up, she moved to Chicago to start a life with Brian, and Faina followed her, ready to start the next chapter as Grandma.

Faina’s grandchildren, Julianna and Simon, were her pride and joy. She always went above and beyond to make sure they felt her love, whether it be through warm hugs or warm soup. Grandma Faina loved making matzo ball and chicken noodle soup for the grandkids. Julianna and Simon loved visiting and playing with grandma, and in between visits they would FaceTime with her often. Her warmth, love, and delicious soup will be dearly missed by us all.

Faina’s health declined quickly and her departure was quite unexpected. While in the hospital, Marianna asked Faina if she was scared; Faina said “no - we only get one life to live.”

Faina’s memory and legacy will forever live on within Marianna, Julianna, and Simon.

Inurnment will take place at 1pm on Thursday, May 7, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Rd, Skokie, IL 60076.