Obituary of Larisa N. Kharkovskiy

Larisa N. Kharkovskiy Larisa N. Kharkovskiy, age ¬¬60, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, June 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Following a graceful and courageous battle with cancer, Larisa’s body weakened before her spirit. Through all of this, Larisa remained the gentle and loving woman everyone knows and cherishes. Larisa was the epitome of resilience. She was born on September 23, 1963, in Kamyshin, Russia, a daughter of the late Nikolay and Aleksandra Shimanayev. Larisa was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and devoted wife. She instilled in her family a strong faith and that faith as well as prayer carried her through her illness. Larisa served as a beacon of light to those around her as she faithfully and humbly served the Lord and her family. She enjoyed singing, painting, cooking, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren as her hospitality was truly unmatched. Larisa was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother, Nikolay and Aleksandra Shimanayev. She is survived by her brother, Peter Shimanayev and sister, Yelena Lokotkova as well as many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her loving husband, Sergey Kharkovskiy. They were married for 38 precious years and shared many adventures, laughs, tears, and life-long memories. In addition to her husband, she leaves behind five children, Lyubov Rafferty (Kevin Rafferty), Aleksey Kharkovskiy (Salina Kharkovskiy), Mark Kharkovskiy, Ilya Kharkovskiy (Angela Kharkovskiy), and Vera Kharkovskiy. Second only to being a mother, Larisa leaves a legacy of love to her eight grandchildren: John Rafferty, Alina Rafferty, Yameina Kharkovskiy, Aleksey Kharkovskiy Jr., Abigail Kharkovskiy, Milana Kharkovskiy, Lilly Kharkovskiy, and Hannah Kharkovskiy. Pouring love and joy into her children and grandchildren has been her life’s work. The immense loss of Larisa will leave an ache too deep to describe, while her spirit and legacy will be carried on through her children, grandchildren, and all the lives she has touched. Colossians 3:16-17 “16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Larisa had a light about her and a very contagious smile. She was a caring, artistic, and creative soul with a love for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by those who loved and knew her. Friends and family may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, 4216 Sterrettania Rd, Erie, PA 16506 on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Furthermore, friends and family are invited to attend a Prayer Service on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., at the funeral home, followed by a Burial Service at 1:00 pm at Laurel Hill Cemetery.