Olga Michaella Berstis-Smith

It is with deep sadness that I share passing of my beloved mother, Olga Berstis-Smith, who left us on Sunday September 15th, 2024, at the age of 71.  Olga was born on March 3, 1953, in Kyiv Ukraine.  She was a bright talented lady, who composed music and poetry, who was full of courage and love for life. 

Olga graduated with master’s degree in journalism from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.  In Ukraine, she had a brilliant professional career.  Her last position was as a director of the National House of Architects in Kyiv.  However, the Chernobyl tragedy forced Olga to abandon her home and career, and to move her family as far as possible from the disaster site.  On September 28, 1991, Olga and her loved ones immigrated to the United States of America, where she resided for the next 33 years. 

Olga is survived by her husband, Knute Berstis, her daughter, Ilona Doerfler, her grandchildren, Michael, Olga and David, her sister Nadiya, and her niece Ania Vlada.  She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.  Olga was born with a star charisma and personality, and now her soul is shining on us from the heavens above.