It is with great sorrow to announce that Lydia Shechter has passed away on May 21, 2020 at the age of 82.

Born the daughter of Alexander and Ksenia (nee Torchevsky) Sofman, one of four children, in Odessa, Ukraine, she would escape Soviet communism with her family, come to the United States and eventually retire in Owings Mills.

She completed her studies at the university in Odessa, received her degree as a bacteriologist and proceeded to a career in the field for many years. After coming to the United States and doing many jobs, she was eventually able to secure a position in her area of expertise.

While she enjoyed long walks on the soft white beaches on trips to Southwest Florida, most of all she enjoyed spending quality time with her three beautiful grandchildren, who were her greatest treasures.

Lydia is survived by her husband of 64 years, Eduard, her beloved daughter Alexandra "Alex" Palencar and three devoted grandchildren, Stephanie, Kevin, and Adam Palencar. Lydia leaves a cherished brother Valera Sofman, sister-in-law Tamara, and family. She is predeceased by one brother and one sister.

She was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.