Sometimes a person isn’t valued or even recognized until it’s too late – after they’re no longer with us. I would say that in Zlata’s case, this is not so – at all. She had to have known how much she was loved and appreciated by so many people – the children of the preschool adored her; the parents held on to her every word; her teachers cared about her so deeply; her peers appreciated her.. Zlata didn’t mince words – with adults- and told it as she viewed the situation. At meetings, she sometimes wondered why we needed to discuss topics for such a long period of time – to her the world was black or white – either you do it or you don’t. She didn’t require a “second” opinion. Time was so precious to her...she hated to waste it at meetings! Of course, that didn’t apply to the children in her life – her many current and former students. She had patience and love and caring for them and proudly watched them blossom over the years. One of her students' most vivid memories of her was her weekly telling of the parsha. When she related that week's parsha, she was handing them a gift and the kids knew it!! It was a memory that stayed with them long after they left preschool.
I only knew Zlata for the last 4 years, and am glad that I had the opportunity to work with her and to get to know her a bit. Her many accomplishments and skills were impressive to others but she made such light of it. Her ability to cook in such enormous quantities and to do so so quickly never ceased to amaze me!!! She was so "untaken" with herself...never thought anything of what she was able to handle.
The one thing that could take Zlata away from being attentive to the matter at hand was her family. The pride she had in her children, and of course - grandchildren!! - lit up her face, brought out her wry smile and she became the classic proud mother/grandmother with ease and definite enjoyment.
There's a void in the School now; it just doesn't feel right; something is missing. I stop myself from thinking...” I'll speak to Zlata.. " when of course I remember that I can't anymore. Starting school without her in August is going to be traumatic for so many. She will live on; she left a legacy of goodness and kindness and we are the better because of her. May her memory be for a blessing
Susan Koss
301.962.9400 x 5141
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