When we celebrated the birthday of our Profesor Andrés recently, we knew that the older daughter of the Mom from Russia (who was still in Russia and coming soon to Mexico) had become gravely ill with pneumonia.

If you look at our last post, you’ll see the brother and sister in the photo are somber.

With deep sorrow we learned Sima passed away.  Sima was only 28 years old.

Because our class had been learning about the Mexican tradition of the “Day of the Dead” (Día de Muerto), on Wednesday the class built an “ofrenda” here in the Casa to commemorate her life.

Many of the “cosas” (things) that are placed on the memorial have strong symbolism in the Mexican culture.  For example, the bread on the plate has been crafted and baked to show or represent different aspects of life.

The photo of Sima shows her dancing in the full youth and vigor of life.

But what has perhaps been most difficult is the fact that the family could not be with their daughter and sister at her passing, or to be present for the burial.

A service in a local church here in Mexico City was held and we were privileged to have been invited.  Afterward, new friends (from Argentina) invited us over to celebrate Sima’s life with delicious Russian food.

It’s been a difficult season…