Support Tatiana Zakharova's Memorial and Burial

Hello dear friends and family,

It is with utmost sadness that I am writing this fundraising message to you all. As you all may already know our dear Tatiana Zakharova suddenly passed away under tragic circumstances. Tatiana left behind her beloved and only son, Valera, whom she had raised as a single mother due to her husband's death in combat, and her precious 11-old grandson, Misha, whom she adored. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she had been separated from both of them for 15 years.

As soon as Valera learned about his mother's tragic death, he went to American Embassy in Moscow, Russia. Fortunately, he was issued a short stay emergency visa and was able to come to the USA very quickly. The original plan was to transport Tatiana's body to Russia, and after performing a religious ceremony according to her Christian faith, and bury her next to her parents. Unfortunately, the transportation of the body under the recent political situation is impossible. After a very lengthy discussion, we modified our initial decision from transportation to cremation. We are grateful to the Russian Orthodox Church for approval of our decision. On the 24th of October, Tatiana's ashes are going on her last journey from her beloved Daytona, Florida to Miami, Florida, from Miami to Istanbul, Turkey, from Istanbul to Moscow, Russia, and lastly, to her hometown in Russia. Valera will be carrying his mother's ashes in his carry-on suitcase. We can all imagine the unbearable sadness that Valera will be carrying in his heart during his travel back home with his mother's remains. God Bless Him, and May God Give Him Strength!

In this difficult time for Tatiana's loved ones who are going through a heartbreaking loss and burial expenses, we need your help.

I've started a fundraiser to collect donations for Tatiana's funeral and end of life costs.

Please consider donating if you are able to do so. We are very grateful for every donation during this difficult time.

With love,

Natalia Chumakova, Tatiana's close friend.