It is with great sadness that I learn about the passing of Alma, almost 6 years after. Now I understand why my last email to her, on June 2, 2016, went unanswered and bounced back.

I met Alma in 1994 when we were both international graduate students at MIT. She was the first person I knew from Kazakhstan, and it could have been the first time two people from Kazakhstan and Madagascar ever met. I was very impressed that she was going back to school after having already earned a PhD in economics; however, she humbly told me that everything was new to her as she had never seen a demand curve, only a supply one -- and an horizontal and infinite one while at it. 

After MIT, she asked me about jobs at World Bank / IFC as I had spent the summer interning at IFC, and also had a job offer. I remember highly recommending the place, that she would do very well in the organization, and contribute to the developing world. I assume that she has been with IFC for all these years.

I remember Alma as a good friend, humble, calm and thoughtful. My belated sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Marc Rakotomalala


I met Alma when she first arrived at MIT Sloan School and I was her TA. She was in some ways bewildered by what she found there. Restaurants served portions she thought were huge. She invited me for lunch at her apartment, and we had tea and rye bread with butter and jam she had brought to school from Kazakhstan, both made by her cousins in the hills near Almaty. She had gotten her PhD in economics from Moscow State, so I was a little intimidated to be her TA in economics (in which I had no advanced degree), but she explained that her main text for that degree was Das Kapital, which was reassuring. 

Alma said that in her culture, she only had a small number of friends for whom she would do anything, not like in America where people have a large number of peripheral friends. She often wanted to talk about what really mattered, and avoid small talk.

When interview season rolled around, she was scared. Interviews in Kazakhstan, she said, were only for anti-Soviet (or later anti-Russian) activities. She was afraid job interviews would be interrogations, too.

She's someone I thought I would know forever, and I will, but am very sad I won't be able to celebrate that friendship in person again. I learned from her the importance of the few people closest to you.

Dear Alma. Your substantial input toward the World Bank well standing is incredibly appreciated by Kazakhstani youth and people. We believe you were improving the business environment there with the Central Asian spirit of benevolence and hospitality. Rest in peace forever young Alma.

Dear Alma:

You made this Earth a better place; you saw to this with your gentle, quiet grace, your knowing wisdom, your beauty, your work to better the lives of the less fortunate, your love for Gene, your family, and friends. We are all thankful to you for those things.  You were one of a kind, a unique and special person who was blessed to have so many fine qualities and a kind humbleness with which to carry them.

I recall your grace and generosity when I first met you. You, Gene, Cindy, Meghan, and I were meeting for dinner in Boston. Meghan was just a baby, in her carrier and you had brought her this beautiful snow white seal which lit up her eyes. She clung to that seal and the joy was so clear to see in her.  This was the kind of impact you had on so many people that you met in your life.  Meghan still has that seal today. Whenever I see it I think of you, and your familiy in Kazkhstan, and your childhood with your nomadic life and the beautiful horses.  All imagined from the stories you told us.

We All miss you and your presence with us.  Your transition from our physical world is wrenching to all of us, and I know it will take much time to reconcile this and to work through the pain of this transition.  But I also know that your spirit lives on in all of those whose lives you touched.  It is your spirit and our memories of you that will survive and for that I am grateful.

Love and Peace,
Brad

Alma was such a unique person in so many ways.  With all her achievements she was one of most humble, unassuming people. In her presence one could almost physically feel her dignity, intelligence, kindness, wisdom. I still vividly feel her presence as if we had just been speaking a few minutes ago. She truly was an amazing human being.  I am fortunate to have known Alma and will miss her.

Alma, 
I will miss you for many years to come; I will miss your warmth, your quiet understated nobility, your intelligence and your beauty. 
A month passed since you died, but the pain is still fresh. It hurts. 
Rest in piece, my friend.
Boris Itin.

Alma was born in a big kazakh family and was surrounded by love, kindness and care. From the very early age she expressed interest to the applied science and math was her favourite subject in school. She used to fall asleep at her desk staying until very late at night solving problems from the magazine Mathematics in school. Her parents gave her the opportunity to chase her dreams and let her study abroad. Being raised in a conservative family that took kazakh traditions very seriously it was very brave for her to take up such a challenging endeavor to leave home in order to pursuit her dreams. She fulfilled all the aspirations and beliefs of her family successfully graduating from Moscow State University, getting her Master's degree at MIT and working in World Bank.  She left home when she was only 16, but was always close to her family. The traits such as respect to elders, compassion, help for someone who is in need, hospitality that have been developed in her while she was a kid stayed with her throughout her life. Mom and dad called her Almazhan, which in kazakh means "Alma - my soul", expressing their deepest love and adoration. She always had a special bond with our mom. Everyone in our big family is proud of her and she has been and will always be an example for young generations not only because of her achievements but more so because of her humble and wise approach to life. She had plans for the future but unfortunately sudden illness didn't allow them to come to live. 
It is hard to realize that she would never come visit us, smile, call or look with her deep soulful eyes. 
Almusha, Almazhan, you will be in our hearts and memories forever!

Zhatkan zherin zharyk bolsyn!

 Alma had the genuine beauty of a Kazakh woman. We were always so proud of her. Every time someone from the World Bank learned that we are Kazakh they would tell us about Alma and how bright and smart she was and that she was the rising star of the Word bank. A bright star that left the sky too soon.

Dearest Alma,

Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow I feel to see you go this soon.    As it has been said, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.  No one could hold you back from your untimely departure but I hope you know that you have touched many lives including mine and I will keep the memories dear to my heart.

Thank you for touching me with words of encouragement, wisdom and kindness.  You and I have had many personal conversations about family, food and sometimes even clothes :-).   You are one of the very few people that I have known who has always been consistent in the way you handled yourself and others.  It was an honor to have known you all these years.  I will miss you and hold the memories in my heart. 

Rest in peace Alma.

Helen

I first talked to Alma exactly a year ago when she interviewed me over the phone for my current position. I was touched by her kindness during this first exchange and the content of our discussion only reinforced my motivation to join the team. Although we only met in person a couple of times, I was struck by her gentleness and accessibility: she made sure I knew her door would always be open for help or advice. It is quite a unique lady that has left us. Alma's absence leaves a hole in the EMEA Syndications team. Thank you Alma. You are being dearly remembered and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

We visited Gene and Alma on a family trip to Washington in 2014. Alma was kind enough to give my three daughters a tour through the World Bank. It was fascinating to see what the World Bank did and to see Alma's role there. My daughters are still inspired by Alma and one still wants to work at the World Bank some day. All I can say is thanks, and we'll miss you!

One of the things I'll always remember about Alma is her walk. She had a unique profile as she walked: tall and elegant, no wasted motion, long black hair. Somehow it was proud and humble at the same time. I could recognize her from a long way away. It was a pleasure getting to know her as a neighbor and friend over the past ten years. She also had a knowing, wise half-smile like the Mona Lisa. Gene, we're so sorry for your loss. Her loss is our loss, too.

It was wonderful to meet Alma this summer.  She was warm and inviting and made my family feel genuinely welcome.  We truly enjoyed our time together - thank you for opening your home to us, for the hike and for the meals.  We are saddened we will not have a chance to spend more time together and return the hospitality.

The last two summers, Alma and Gene were kind enough to invite me to visit them, and those trips are some of my best memories of those summers. Each visit was wonderful, filled with good food and conversation. I think my favourite memory is of an excursion to Rehobath Beach, followed by much too much crab at Hooper's, and then, during the drive back home, a fascinating discussion on the differences between the Russian and American educational systems. Now, I won't have the chance to get to know Alma better, to hear more of her stories, to see the kindness that was so clear in her, and to see more of the deep affection she and Gene had for each other.

To Gene and all of Alma's family and friends, please accept my condolences for your terrible loss.

Kim and I were so saddened to learn of Alma's passing. I have very fond memories of meeting Alma and listening to her stories. She is a unique woman and the influence she has had on all those she touched will be felt forever.

We will all keep her in our thoughts and memories. May she be an inspiration to all of us.

Alma's passing is such a loss for our world.  She was so stimulating to talk to; she had such interesting stories and had accomplished so much.  I just loved her stories about coming to the States.  Alma was such a caring person and it was clear just how much she loved Gene.

Alma, I was so looking forward to our next holiday with you and Gene and I'm sad that you are gone. When I first came to your home you nursed my cold with hot tea with sliced lemons and jam. I will do my best to return that caring and look out for your Gene.

My prayers go out to Gene and to Alma's family for their loss.  

Brian and I had the most wonderful holiday with Alma and Gene when we went to stay with them for a week this past summer.  They were so giving of their time and took such care to make sure our trip was so special and memorable.  I treasure my memories of that time with them.  

The word I will always associate with Alma is gracious.  The way she made sure we had such wonderful deserts every night, even though she barely touched them herself.  The way she made sure we had passes for the subway and knew where we were going.  The way she took time out of her day to show us around the World Bank.  Alma just had a way of making a person feel special.  She was so elegant and graceful and even though I knew of her incredible intellect and her astounding educational journey, she was still so easy to talk to.  

Alma, when I heard that Gene was taking you home to Kazakhstan for your funeral my heart broke when I remembered you talking about how your sisters wanted you to come home.  I will pray for them and for your beloved Gene.  

Judith

I have a very fond memory of a brief vacation overlap in the Rockies with Alma and Gene. Their company and the quick connections they made with my family greatly enhanced a beautiful lakeside stroll. I am glad to have met Alma, and send my deepest condolences to her friends and family.

Alma, your untimely passing has shocked me!  I remember when I came to the department and met with you.  When I told you that I belong to the family where we are six sisters and no brother, you looked at me in disbelief and said "ME TOO"!  We both were so excited and this was the bond between us!.  Your love for India, the culture and the food made it so easy for me to walk into your office anytime of the day!  I will always cherish my conversations with you and will miss you!  You will be in my prayers!

Saroj

Although I have only met Alma a few times she had always struck me as a great person, always a pleasure to be around.

It is hard to believe that she is gone. Please accept heart-felt condolences from our entire family!

Boris and Sulushash

Dear Alma, I still can't believe that you are gone. I was deeply shocked when I realized that I would not see you again. It's still a weird feeling at the office every time I pass in front of your desk. I wish I could have said goodbye and THANK YOU for these 2 wonderful years closely working together. Even though we are very different characters, we formed a great team. Thank you for devoting countless hours of your time to transmit your knowledge, your door was always open.

You are a private person and it took me some time to get to know you, but eventually I did. I will miss our conversations about Russia, Kazakhstan and the state of the world. Your many anecdotes about moving from the Soviet Union to the US were always deep and plenty of humor. When I moved to the Latin America team and we stopped working together one year ago, you always tried to keep in close touch with me even though I no longer worked with you on projects and this is something that I really appreciated and that shows your humanistic approach to people beyond purely work.

Rest in peace Alma, we will always remember you.

I carpooled with Alma from McLean for a year when I first joined IFC in 2002.  I was shocked by this sad news of Alma's untimely passing.
My sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.

When I heard the sad news, I couldn't believe it. So early, she leaves us and I'm so sorry for all her near relatives. Alma was always so dynamic and lively, it is very difficult to believe that she will not anymore participate in the interesting discussions we had about syndication matters during conferences, where we met most of the time. Alma, rest now in peace and may the peace of the Lord give comfort and support to your dear ones.

To Alma's family, heartfelt sympathy to you for Alma's loss.  I worked with her in the old "Power" Department many years ago and would only see her on the elevators, not aging, still calm in spirit, still with her fat healthy plat in her hair and warm smile.  We always greeted with hugs.  I was never familiar with her last name, so I missed the memorial. She leaves behind memories of calm, peace, quiet and special dignity that says you don't have to be loud to be strong.  She emanated them all. May her soul rest in peace.

No words can express my shock and grief that Alma left us so suddenly.   I got to know Alma well while working on a difficult project in the Philippines, traveling with her on many occasions to Asia.  She was a gentle, kind-hearted and sweet soul.   Although she was un-assuming and humble, she was sharp as a tack and would surprise those who did not know her with her sharp wit.  I will always remember her beautiful smile, her warmth, her calm and personable nature.   May you rest in peace, dear Alma.

Dear Alma, I am incredibly sad to see you leave us in such an untimely way. It is now few days that you are not with us and it still feels surreal. Your success and achievements at work were obvious, but seeing your pictures at the wake was a real reflection of the person you were, and how much you enjoyed life. I keep playing them in my mind and this is how I will remember you. You were a genuine soul, always fair and uncompromising, a brilliant and insightful mind and a true friend. I will always cherish our memories, trips to the retreats and many other supportive talks and advice. I feel very fortunate to have known you. May you rest in peace! I will miss you.
Olimpia

Can't find the words to express our sorrow. We will miss Alma, miss her smile, her laugh, her hospitality, her kindness and warmth. Our hearts are heavy with the sadness and pain. Rest in peace dear.  Gene - stay strong. Ira/Margarita/Misha/Sasha

Alma was a unique and special person in many ways. She was brilliant and at the same time humble.
She emanated calm and warmth. She could laugh without changing her serious facial impression just through her deep black eyes.
We are truly blessed and privileged to have known her and are absolutely heartbroken to have lost her.
Her physical presence will be sorely missed, but she will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Usvyati

Dear Alma, 

You were always a special part of IFC and IFC's Syndications team.  You were the embodiment of the IFC mission, coming from a modest upbringing in Kazakhstan blazing new trails for yourself and IFC all along the way- the first person from Kazakhstan hired by the World Bank Group when joining the YP program in 1996 followed by one successful achievement after another as you brought new investors to IFC financings in so many countries- Ukraine, Russia, Jordan, the West Bank, Africa and more. 

We have lost a dear friend . You were a consummate and modest professional who always put the client first. You were honest in your assessments and committed to ensuring IFC's and your own integrity. 

I found a poem which I think rings true to your own life and your significant accomplishments personally and professionally.

"SHE HAS ACHIEVED SUCCESS"

She has achieved success who has lived well,
laughed often, and loved much:
who has enjoyed the trust of pure men and women,
the respect of intelligent people and the love of little children;
who has filled the niche and accomplished her task;
who has left the World better than she found it;
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty 
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others
and given the best she had,
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction. 

Rest in Peace Alma,

Matt Bauer

I met Alma for the first time 3 years ago and while it was our work in IFC that made the connection possible our relationship quickly transcended beyond work to other issues.  In the work environment Alma was well recognized and acknowledged as the one person who could get things done; she always happily took on the most difficult deals, the most challenging structures and made it look simple and easy.  Whenever we spoke about work she always underplayed the complexity and difficultly involved and I still remember her saying it's just a project Sharmila  it will get done.  And I knew that was indeed the case  if Alma had it, it would get done efficiently and neatly.
But it is Alma the person the friend that I will miss most.  Alma had this incredible ability to converse on a diverse range of topics that led us to having several long conversations on various topics and her favorite of course was India  my own country.  But she was so erudite on this topic and reminded me about cultural facts and issues about my homeland that I sometimes felt inadequate because I did not know much about Kazakhstan. Her love of all things Indian especially Indian food was fantastic.  I don't think I will be ever able to eat another kala jamun without thinking of Alma and her love of the sweet.  
There are so many vignettes that come to mind as I write this note  her love for the sun, her distrust and disdain of the PR machine, her ability to speak her mind, her modest demeanor and most of all her love for Gene.  I so clearly remember our last conversation on the phone where I had called to check on her health and offered to help and her polite response was No Sharmila it is okay I don't need anything  Gene is taking care of me.  
I miss her and cherish the wonderful memories.

  Alma, you have been my daughter, my lovely daughter. The person I trust, the one I could discuss everything with and whose opinion I highly valued. I liked everything you did, your style, your sense of humor, the smile on your face, and your kindness. You took special place in my heart and it will be there forever.
God bless you, rest in peace. 
Lev Ortenberg, Alma's father-in-law

Dear Alma,
there are no words capable of grasping and describing you as a person. You came so close to perfection in all respects, as only very few people master. Your brilliance, intellect and kindness were outstanding. You were just as beautiful from the inside, as you were from the outside. We feel deeply touched by your early departure. While your presence will be dearly missed, your memory will be everlasting.
Sincerely yours

It is no words in the world to express my feelings. You have been a joy of my life for 20 years. You made my son and my family very happy. You'll be always in my heart. You are the best. Thank you.
Margarita Shor, Alma's mother-in-law.

I feel blessed to have known Alma. She was a gift who touched our lives in the most beautiful and gentlest of ways. She was truly an angel on earth, and her passing was much too soon. May she always be at peace and watching over us. To Gene - you are in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot imagine the depth of this loss for you, but please know you are loved!

There are no words I can say to describe the pain of this loss or the void that Alma's passing leaves in me. And yet, my thoughts invariably turn to Alma's amazing life. She had extraordinary gifts of compassion, friendship, and love and she bestowed them on all fortunate to know her.

I met Alma a year before I actually met her. It was 1994 and I was traveling through Boston. Being a poor student I needed a place to stay. I didn't know Alma at that time but our mutual best friend, David, arranged with her so that I could spend a night in her MIT apartment while she was away. It was there that I first saw several of her portraits. She had an incredible vivacious and enlightened spark in her deep black eyes. Looking at her portraits I was struck with a premonition that this young beautiful woman will change my own life.

Our love began a year later on the banks of the Charles river in Boston, where Alma took my hand into hers. It was the gentlest and tenderest of touches that only she was capable of. We have been kindred spirits, soul mates, and very much in love ever since. Throughout these years Alma brought enormous joy, kindness, and grace into my life. It felt as if I were living in the presence of an angel. We were both very happy together, as we shared dreams, traveled the world, and met new friends. 

My dearly beloved Almusha, I am so fortunate to have been able to share these happiest 20 years of my life with you. You are the love of my life and my best friend. You made me truly happy and you ultimately made me who I am. I am forever grateful and indebted to you. I will love you and cherish your memory for as long as I live. I know that your beautiful kind spirit lives on and somehow, somewhere I will be with you again. 

Let your final journey be light. God bless you and peace be upon you. I love you.



It was a great privilege to know and work with Alma. My sincerest condolences to her family during this difficult time.

I was lying on bed and couldn't fall asleep. My head was full of Alma. Last night's wake service was still very unreal. I still couldn't feel for real that she was gone, forever. I somehow felt she was still with us. It's more like an office gathering, and she was one of us, somewhere in the room, watching us talking about her, looking at her pictures and trying to see pieces of her life beyond work. 
 
That life beyond work, must be beautiful and full and lovely. The pictures show us a lovely girl, loved by her loved one, pure, and full of love to the nature and the world.
 
Alma is a very private person. Her sudden leaving made me feel so privileged to be able to know her and get a little close to her while she was with us in her young and short life. All the precious memory came back to me: our lunches together at that Peruvian restaurant, El Chalan; our spontaneous talks in the office; our rides together to and from retreats; our taking a walk under the starry sky in one of the retreat after I first joined the department; our trip to Cologne, where we sat next to each other on the plane, our visit together to the famous Cathedral, our relaxed chat at the coffee shop over the delicious pastries I don't remember what we talked about all these times. Alma was an easy person to have a conversation with. She was very intellectual, knowledgeable, and more importantly, so truthful. Every time I got to talk to her, we always had something to say: our common background and experiences of coming from communist countries; our views of different culture; our work and life in a land different and far away from home; politics of Russia and China; Soviet Union; travel and vacation
 
Alma was a strong woman, an independent woman, a person with her view and principal. I have never seen her comprised her principle or value at work place for whatever reason. For that I admired her. Whether or not I agreed with her every view, I admired her as a person. It took a lot of courage and wisdom to not go with the flow, not ride the wave and hold on to what you think is right, or just to think.
 
That moment of a Friday afternoon is still vivid to me. We were standing outside her office near the corridor asking how she was feeling. She had a few day intensive meetings with banks on her DFI MCPP and she didn't feel well. She said she had leg pain and she took off her high heel shoes. I thought it probably was exhaustion and stress. I said bye to her and thought she would recover after a good weekend rest. I stayed a little late in the office and then at some moment, it came to me and I asked myself  Why didn't I offer her a ride home if she had leg pain? I blamed myself for being so absent minded, and said to myself next time I would not forget.  I could never imagine that was my last opportunity and I missed the chances of riding with her forever.
 
A person's leave is like a star disappearing from the sky. Most of the time, most people wouldn't even notice. Some would notice, feel sad or regret, but time will heal and life goes on. Yes, life will go on and should go on. When I first came to America, I was surprised and puzzled that people would celebrate a person's life instead of staying in mourning when the loved one is gone. I think I now understand better. Alma's life deserves to be celebrated, should be celebrated. She lived a full life, a life that she was able to pursue what she valued, a life that she could live up to her value and preserve her value, a life with free spirit, and also, a life that she could share with her loved one who was also her soul mate. To me that was a real success.  
 
Life goes on, but it will not be the same, at least to some of us. Alma had an impact and will continue to have impacts on my life, perhaps in a subtle but also meaningful way. Let me celebrate her life by keeping her in my memory, by reminding me to constantly reflect on what is really important in life, and what should I live up for. And do not take what we are given for granted. We as human beings are vulnerable and fragile. No matter how good we are in taking care of ourselves, how healthy life style we live with, there are always things that are out of our control, and we have to succumb to that superpower. Our life could be taken away for no good reason. Treasure the moment, the present moment, as it may be our last moment
 
Rest in peace Alma.

It is really sad and painful news which is hard to accept.  My wife and I sincerely wish the peaceful rest to Alma and hope that Eugene will recover from this sad incident soon.  I thank Alma for all her extended thoughtful kindness during my stay in IFC.

Dear Alma, during our few encounters of department meetings, I always felt your sincerity and deep intellect. I am happy to know you. I would like to pass my condolences to your family and friends. May you rest in peace and light.

Our deepest condolences with such a tragic loss.  Alma was a key member of our ECA  syndication team on many transactions we worked together. She helped many clients through her work in the region who remember her very well as the nicest colleague who always cared so much about what she did.  Very sorry to lose her....

I have known Gene for over 12 years and met Alma for the first time about 5 years ago. But it never felt like meeting someone for the first time. She had this amazing gift of making an instant connection with people. She was a caring person with a very calm demeanor.

In my many work related conference calls with Gene, I would often hear her in the background and then Gene would translate it for me - Alma says Hi! Those are the words that I'll always, always remember.

Rest in peace Alma.

We have not seen each other in a long time. It's not explainable, but I always had a distinct feeling that Alma is thinking of us, and I often thought of Alma and Eugene. Alma's gentle touch, sense of humor, humility, kindness is so vivid in my mind, I feel her presence and I know that I will continue feeling her presence throughout my life. Alma, rest in peace... Love, Fima.

May god bless your soul with eternal peace Alma. My prayers are with your family.

It is painful and sad news for all of us. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Dear Alma, I'm truly grateful that our paths were crossed in this world and that I have had the pleasure to get to know you and your beautiful mind. May you rest in eternal peace.

This is terribly sad, painful news. I worked with Alma for several years at IFC. I always admired and appreciated her for her sharp intelligence, candor and good sense of humor. She captured my imagination on many occasions by telling stories from her early childhood in Kazakhstan, on the steppe living as nomads with her family and their herd of horses. I will miss her. My sincerest condolences to her family and other friends. 

Thomas Lubeck

Rest in peace, Alma.  It is hard to accept that Alma has left the Earth's plane and her spirit has moved to a different dimension where we cannot see her.  Alma and I often talked about life, about our challenges of moving to the US, a new country with our families being so far away, we also shared our travel stories and tips for new vacation spots...  Running into Alma and Eugene at one of our vacations and spending a week in the same hotel with them will be one of the memories I will also treasure.  

We all struggle to accept the sad news, please accept my sincere condolences.

Rest in perfect peace, Alma. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.

My Dearest Amla,

Your leaving this earthly abode makes me utterly, utterly sad. I know we had a connection from beyond this earth and this birth to sometime long before that only played out in this life too. It is not a coincidence that you came in my life to be a solid friend, guide, confidant and a soul sister. It is not coincidence that you offered your love to me. You epitomised love, and you shared it with me with all the generosity of your heart. I see this miracle as a soul connection that played out in this living life for me. 

You gave me a place in your heart. You are an integral part of my world and memory so beautiful. Perhaps I have many many memories of this life that I can access with you being part of my world: the memories that linger of the long conversations in your home when making masala chai or preparing an exotic dish that you wanted me to taste, showing of the nurturer you were. Then there are memories of our travels to all the spiritual and historical places in India. You made it a point to remember me on all your travels abroad  for every souvenir you picked up for me showed you unconditional love and care. 

Today, I take comfort in only this one thing: that life is a continuum. It is just that you have gone ahead of me, and that will be a void until then. You must promise me one thing: that you will allow our effortless soul connection of friendship, love, care and oneness to continue for all the many lifetimes beyond the now. Your strength, will, courage, grace and equanimity to face life's greatest challenge with poise, elegance, style, humility, laughter and twinkle in your eyes will burn like a candle in my heart. 

I will celebrate your life with the spirit of what you epitomise, my Dearest Alma, in all ways YOU.

I love you much Alma. Always. For ever.

Your soul sister, friend,
Lavanya

We are very fortunate to know Alma, the most humble, kind, and witty person. When we first met her about 11 years back, it did not feel like we are meeting her for the first time.
She is very witty in describing some of her experiences in dealing with people for her work in various countries. Gene knows some of her best work related jokes.
As most of you know she loved Indian food and she is very appreciate of the simplest food we made for her when she visited us. We always remember and cherish those moments.
Gene,
We are very, very sorry for your loss. We have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a wonderful human being.
You are always in our prayers.
Say hi! to Alma.

"I am so sorry for your loss. but  there is always one who  can gave you comfort and that is GOD PSALMS 29:11

OBITUARY

Alma Ourazalinova

June 2, 1966 – December 22, 2015

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services