Larisa Shenker, 92, of Overland Park, Kansas, died on July 7. Born on June 6, 1932, in Grozny, U.S.S.R., she was the beloved daughter of Iliya and Anna Zaslavsky.
Larisa was married to her love, Anatoliy, for 43 years until his passing in 2004. Together, they created a beautiful family, including their children, Lyudmila and her husband Igor, and Arkadiy and his wife Karina. Larisa cherished her role as a grandmother to Mayya and Yevgeniey and as a great-grandmother to Teagan, Billy and Luka.
An active member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, Larisa enjoyed being involved in her community. She participated in the Heritage program through the Jewish Community Center and was known for her vibrant spirit, enjoying activities such as swimming, walking her little dog, Zeus, and creating handcrafted beaded floral arrangements.
Larisa was a true lover of books and reading, always expanding her knowledge. Her exceptional homemaking skills, especially her cake baking, were enjoyed by all who knew her. Despite learning to drive at the age of 70, she proudly and independently drove for the next 20 years, embodying her spirit of independence and determination.
In 1991, at the age of 56, Larisa immigrated to the United States, embracing a new chapter in her life with resilience and grace. Her soul always yearned to make things good for everyone around her, never saying no and always trying to be helpful, even until her very last days. Her love for her family was boundless, and she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend.
Larisa is preceded in death by her beloved brother, Vladimir, who held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Flora Zaslavskaya, and her niece, Yelana Zaslavskaya.
Funeral services were held on July 11 at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that charitable donations be made to Jewish Vocational Services in her honor.
Larisa's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She was a beacon of kindness, always striving to make life better for those around her. Her legacy of love, generosity and resilience will be cherished forever.
