Valentina (Lagodich) Bukatko

West Brookfield - Valentina (Lagodich) Bukatko, 96, of West Brookfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Life Care Center of Wilbraham.

She leaves two daughters, Danuta Bukatko and her husband Don Sugai of Harvard, MA and Patricia Richard and her husband Robert of West Brookfield, MA. She was the beloved grandmother to Nicholas Sugai, Alexander Richard, and Katherine Richard. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard Bukatko in 1990, and also by three brothers, Gregory, Paul, and Nikolai and a sister, Lydia. Valentina was born on April 30, 1924 in Mogilno, Belarus, daughter of the late Tichon Lagodich and the late Zenowia (Krawczuk) Lagodich.

She attended school to become a seamstress; however, her education was disrupted by the events of World War II.  In 1949, she, her husband, and oldest daughter immigrated to the United States.  She became a proud naturalized US citizen who appreciated the opportunities and freedom that this country offered.  

Valentina lived simply and independently in her own home up until just a month ago. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was a talented seamstress who designed and made her family’s clothing, including winter coats and wedding dresses. Her greatest joy came from her role as a loving Baba to her grandchildren.

Services for Valentina will be held privately. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in West Brookfield in the Spring.  

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com. 

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