Obituary of Lilli Melnikow

Lilli Melnikow, 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 6, 2024, at Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Russia on March 9, 1929, to Eugen and Melita Dumler, Lilli's life was a testament to resilience, selflessness, love, and generosity.
 

Lilli loved her family and friends (whom she treated like family); valued hard work and education; was dedicated to her church and community; and always found optimism, hope, and joy in even the toughest situation. She will be greatly missed, but her story, her recipes, her values, and her slippers will live on.

In 1930, the Communist regime reached the Dumler family in Novo Alexandrovka, Russia, where Lilli was born. Their possessions were seized, family members were killed, and they were forced to flee the land their ancestors had called home for 200 years. Seeking safety, the family relocated to Stary Oskol, where Lilli spent her childhood.

In 1942, the German Army occupied the area, and as they began retreating in 1943, Lilli's family fled with them. Their journey took them on foot and by train through Kiev to Poland, where they lived in a camp near Łódź for a year. In June 1944, they were moved to Niederreisbach, Germany. After the war ended in 1945, under American occupation, Lilli found work in a clothing factory—and in that year, she met her future husband.

In 1949, Lilli married Nikolai Melnikow, and together they embarked on a journey that would shape their future. Amidst the upheaval following World War II, as millions of displaced people struggled across Europe, Lilli and Nikolai sought refuge and hope. Thanks to the U.S. Congress’ Displaced Persons Act, they immigrated to the United States in 1951. Their American dream began with 3½ months of service at the Bayside Training School for Children in Beesley’s Point, Ocean City, NJ, before they settled in Syracuse, NY.

A dedicated member of St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church, Lilli spent decades serving in the Sisterhood, contributing to numerous church activities with devotion. Professionally, she worked for many years as a waitress, spending much of her career at Drumlins Country Club.

Lilli was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nikolai (2010), her brother, Edgar Dumler (2008), his wife, Alvina (2017), as well as her cousin Fritz Hayer (2022) and his wife, Margo (2008). She is survived by her loving family: three sons—Walter and Lauren of East Syracuse, Alex and Patricia of Clifton, VA, and Victor and Mary of Chittenango; nine grandchildren—Paul (Alan), Lilli (Mike) Komurek, Alex (Fanny), Cassandra (Stan) Syckes, Victoria McKenna, Nikolai (Teresa), Catherine (John), Holly, and Margaret; and six great-grandchildren—River, Story, Elliot, Oliver, Emmeline, and Declan.

Lilli’s Culinary and Creative Legacy:
Lilli had a remarkable talent for creating delicious meals, a gift that her grandchildren—Paul, Catherine, and Margaret—honored by compiling a cookbook of her cherished recipes. In addition to her culinary expertise, Lilli was an accomplished knitter. Over the years, she lovingly crafted clothing, hats, blankets, socks, and eventually slippers for her children, grandchildren, and so many others.

A Heart of Compassion:
Lilli's life took a profound turn when her husband, Nikolai, suffered a stroke. She spent two dedicated years by his side at Loretto until his passing in 2010. In gratitude for the care he received, Lilli began knitting and donating handmade slippers—over 100 pairs to Loretto alone.

This act of kindness grew into a lifelong mission, extending to nursing homes, hospitals, and military centers. She sent slippers to Veterans Administration Medical Center, University Hospital, and Army hospitals at Fort Wainwright and Fort Drum. Lilli's compassion reached even Walter Reed National Military Center, where she donated 200 pairs to comfort wounded soldiers.

Her generosity and unwavering dedication brought warmth and solace to countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and service.

THANK YOU:
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Rev. Nikolai Tkatschow and Rev. John Malcom for their spiritual care, as well as the staff at Loretto and The Nottingham for their compassionate care during Lilli’s final years.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Lilli’s devoted daughter-in-law, Mary Melnikow, who lovingly cared for her as her primary caretaker for the past 11 years. Your unwavering support and the love you showered upon Oma will forever be remembered and appreciated.

SERVICES:
On Sunday, October 13, at St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church in Jamesville, NY, a Panikhida service will be conducted at 10:30am.  After the Panikhida, we invite all to join the family in the Parish Hall for a celebration of Lilli's life (beginning around 11:00am)—this will also serve as the calling hours.

On Monday, October 14, from 11:00am to 12:30 p.m., funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church.  Interment will be at Holy Trinity Monastery Cemetery in Jordanville, NY at approximately 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lilli's name to St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church, 607 Tecumseh Road, Jamesville, NY 13078.