A 95-year-old woman, whose remarkable life spanned some of history’s most devastating events, tragically passed away last week after being struck by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York. Mayya Gil, known for her resilience and vibrant spirit, was reportedly crossing the street with her home health aide when a van turned left and collided with them, as reported by Gothamist.

A life of survival

Mayya Gil’s life story is one of survival against the odds. She endured the harrowing experience of the Nazis’ invasion of Ukraine, lived through the Chornobyl disaster, and faced the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. On that fateful Thursday, while her health aide was hospitalized and is currently in stable condition, Ms. Gil succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York Police Department has confirmed that the driver involved in the incident was neither arrested nor charged.

Community impact and personal tributes

“She was a very active lady,” stated her daughter, Irina Lizunova, reflecting on her mother’s vibrant presence in the community. “Everybody knows her.” Her granddaughter echoed this sentiment, saying, “She was the kindest, most generous person I’ve ever met. Nothing gave her more joy than just being around her family.”

A journey through history

Born in Khmelnytskyi, a town in western Ukraine, Ms. Gil moved to Kyiv with her mother and brother at the age of 12 to escape the Nazis. It was in Kyiv that she met her husband, Vilyam, and together they raised twin daughters. The family endured the oppressive Soviet regime and witnessed the catastrophic Chornobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. Following this tragedy, Ms. Gil’s daughter Larisa relocated to New York City and eventually brought the entire family to America, where they settled in Bensonhurst.

Personal losses

The past decade has been marked by profound loss for Ms. Gil. In 2013, she lost her daughter Larisa to pancreatic cancer; despite financial difficulties preventing a burial plot purchase, Larisa’s resting place was made possible through The New York Times’ “Neediest Case Fund.” Tragically, in 2020, Ms. Gil’s husband Vilyam also passed away due to COVID-19 during the pandemic’s peak. “They wouldn’t let me see him, and he was too weak to say anything on the phone,” she recalled in an earlier interview with The New York Times. After 68 years of marriage, they were unable to say goodbye.

A legacy of community engagement

Mayya Gil was not only a survivor but also an active member of her Bensonhurst community, particularly known for her involvement with the Jewish Community Centre. Her passing marks not only a loss for her family but also for a community that cherished her presence and contributions. As friends and family mourn this profound loss, Mayya Gil’s legacy as a resilient survivor and beloved community member will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those who knew her.