Luba E. (Afanasiw) Brillant, 90, died peacefully on April 27, 2013 at home. Beloved wife of the late Charles T. Brillant, she was the loving mother of the late Charles Brillant Jr., the late Vera R. Brillant. She is survived by a son, Thomas Brillant of Brant Rock, MA, a daughter, Judy and her husband Gerald Ockerbloom of Pembroke, Ma and the light of her life grandsons, Russell and Peter Ockerbloom. Nieces and nephews also survive her. Her parents, Omelan and Oksana Afanasiw, her brother John and Paul Afanasiw and her sisters Vera Dymtrenko and Zinaida Sullivan, also predeceased her. Luba was a very special person who captured the attention of anyone that came in contact with her. Anyone that knew her, loved her, her smile and her accent! She was a women of great strength and compassion. She was born and raised in the Ukraine under communist rule. Life was extremely difficult, full of fear and hunger but through it all she and her family survived. She finished school and received a teaching certificate. After WWII Luba was in a Ukranian Camp in Augsburg, Germany where she met the love of her life, an American G.I., Charles (Charlie) Brillant. Neither, to a degree, could speak each other’s language but with the help of interpreters, they were able to converse to the point where they got married. Arrangements were made to bring Luba to America, and she arrived in New York in 1946 as an American War Bride. Eventually she and her husband bought a house and settled in Brant Rock, MA. She worked as a stitcher in various factories, learned the English language, received her citizenship and saved enough money to bring her family, except for an older brother, over to America for a better life. Luba’s home and family meant the world to her. She was so giving and asked for nothing in return. She will be greatly missed but will always be remembered.
Per Luba’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. However, there will a burial service at 12:30 at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Relatives and friends are invited.
Donations in Luba’s memory may be made to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Ste 326, Plymouth, MA 02360 or charity of one’s own choice.