Matushka Lillian (Lyubov) Tarenko, 96, of Lubbock, TX, fell asleep in the Lord on September 8, 2022.
Matushka Lillian was the beloved wife of the late Archpriest William (Vassily) Tarenko. During their thirty-plus years of devoted ministry, the Tarenkos served parishes in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Arizona. Matushka Lillian was a wonderful help to her husband, teaching Sunday School and singing weekday services when needed, and writing out his Sunday announcements every Saturday night because he could not read his own handwriting. Her family always marveled at her efficacious prayers.
Born on January 6, 1926, Old-Calendar Christmas Eve, Matushka Lillian loved Christmas and gift giving all year round. She lived up to her baptismal name, Lyubov (Love). Down to earth, humble, and fun, Matushka Lillian also was a real intellectual and a talented writer, with some of her favorite interests being The New Yorker magazine and Book TV. Before her marriage, she earned degrees from NYU and Montclair State University and taught high school English. Her lifelong interests in the art of Andy Warhol reflected her beloved Carpathian roots, and in the poetry of William Carlos Williams, on whom she wrote a thesis, her beloved New Jersey.
Matushka Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Mikhail and Maria, and her sister, Sophia. She is survived by her daughter, Natalie, of Lubbock, TX.
Matushka Lillian’s funeral services and burial were held at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery October 6 and October 7.
May Matushka Lillian’s memory be eternal!