Alexandra Sinz, 90, passed away June 23 after a short struggle with cancer. She was born in Ukraine to Vitali and Maria Szkarlatovska. Her father was an economist and later a credit analyst who was executed during the Stalinist purges at Vinnitsa, Ukraine in 1938. Alexandra's younger sister, Irene, was born in 1926 and later became a university librarian. Alexandra's university education was interrupted by the German invasion of Ukraine in 1941. She was transported to Germany as a forced laborer, working as a translator for the duration of the war. During the Western occupation she took a job as a waitress at the officers' club in...
Alexandra Sinz, 90, passed away June 23 after a short struggle with cancer. She was born in Ukraine to Vitali and Maria Szkarlatovska. Her father was an economist and later a credit analyst who was executed during the Stalinist purges at Vinnitsa, Ukraine in 1938. Alexandra's younger sister, Irene, was born in 1926 and later became a university librarian. Alexandra's university education was interrupted by the German invasion of Ukraine in 1941. She was transported to Germany as a forced laborer, working as a translator for the duration of the war. During the Western occupation she took a job as a waitress at the officers' club in Ansbach, Germany where she met and married Glenn Sinz, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, in February, 1947.
Alexandra and Glenn lived in Germany and traveled across France and Austria before returning to the U.S. in 1948. Glenn's military assignments then took them to Fukuoku, Japan and then to Italy in 1956 where Alexandra's son, Mark, was born in Pordenone in 1957, and her daughter, Elaine, in Vicenza in 1958. During their time in Italy, she and Glenn became Roman Catholics after being influenced profoundly by a visit to Rome. Alexandra returned to the U.S. in 1960 where her daughter, Irene, was born in 1963. She moved to Eureka in 1972 where Glenn took the position of food service director at Saint Joseph's Hospital.
Alexandra was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn and her sister, Irene. She is survived by her son, Mark and his partner Lisa Scanlon, of New York City, her daughter Elaine and her husband, Mike Kubala, of Eureka, and her daughter Irene Sinz of Redding, California. She was the loving grandmother of Jason Kubala and wife Marney of Eureka, Katie Kubala and partner Stuart Skelton of Miranda and the loving great grandmother of Peyton and Dominick Kubala and Aubrey Skelton.
Alexandra cherished her grandchildren, sparing no amount of time or effort for their happiness. She kept a lifelong interest in reading, from historical biographies to classic novels, Russian history and occasional mysteries. Her interest in world affairs endured throughout her life. She raised her children with respect for the importance of learning, education and moral values that contributed to their successes in life.
Among those who knew her, she was a renowned baker, famous for her apple strudel and Russian cheesecake. She created a lovely garden, designed with a sense of intimacy and beauty in every season. She dressed and acted with a sense of style. She gave her best in every effort. She was optimistic throughout her life despite the wrenching experiences of her early years. Alexandra was a devout member of Sacred Heart Church for over 40 years.
A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Church Wednesday at 12:30. Alexandra will be laid to rest at Ocean View Cemetery near her dear husband and mother. In lieu of flowers, the family asks anyone who wishes to make a contribution to the American Lung Association.