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Raisa Pakhilka

Raisa Pakhilka, 89, of Clinton, passed away peacefully on Oct. 8 at Middlesex Hospital with her daughter Natalia at her side. She was born in Belarus, daughter of the late Polikarp and Maria Pakhilka, on Oct. 18, 1933.

She earned her nursing degree in Polotsk, Belarus in 1954, and worked as a nurse for 45 years. Her first job was in an orphanage, where she took care of babies and toddlers.

Raisa was married to Vasiliy Brilyov and had two daughters, Natalia and Inna, who both survive her. She came to Connecticut in 2003, and lived with Natalia and Gino Perini, her son-in-law, in Clinton for 20 years. Raisa loved this great country and its people and always felt safe and happy here. She was an optimistic, hardworking, and a loving person. Her kindness, compassion for others, and support touched the lives of many people. She most of all loved her daughters and her two grandchildren, Omar Zawahra and Ekaterina Zawahra, who live in Minsk, Belarus. Her interests were gardening, music, cooking, and going to the beach, especially Hammonasset State Park.

Raisa will be remembered for her beautiful smile and love for others and will be sorely missed by all who loved her. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the staff at Middlesex Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.

Graveside services were held on Oct. 11 at Beaver Brook Cemetery in Clinton, where interment took place. In loving memory of Raisa’s love of this world, please be kind to one another, enjoy the beauty in this world, and live in peace.