[Daviscenter-list] Elena Bonner, 1923-2011

Dear friends, You have likely already heard the sad news that Elena Bonner — Soviet dissident and human-rights activist; mother of Tatiana Yankelevich and Alexey Semyonov; widow of Andrei Sakharov — passed away Saturday, June 18, 2011, at the age of 88. A memorial service will take place at 12 noon tomorrow, Tuesday, June 21, at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon Street, Brookline, Mass. 02445; tel. 617-232-9300. The family will receive friends the same day from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Dr. Bonner’s apartment in Brookline. In accordance with the wishes of Dr. Bonner, she will be cremated and her ashes will be interred at the Vostryakovo Cemetery in Moscow beside her husband, mother, and brother. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Andrei Sakharov Foundation, 7112 Wesley Road, Springfield VA 22150. An event commemorating Dr. Bonner’s life and work is planned at the Davis Center in the fall. Please join me in extending condolences to Dr. Bonner’s family and to all those whose lives she touched so deeply through her extraordinary bravery and dedication. Sincerely, Alexandra Vacroux Executive Director Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies