A warm and heartfelt evening was held at the Russian Orthodox School Los Angeles (Russian Orthodox School LA) in honor of our beloved school cook Sofia Alexandrovna, whom we all affectionately call Auntie Sonya (Тётя Соня).
After more than 20 years of dedicated and sincere service, Auntie Sonya is retiring.
The school community, led by the school director Father Ioann, gathered to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sofia Alexandrovna. Father Ioann warmly addressed Auntie Sonya: “20 years… Thank you, Auntie Sonya!” — and presented her with a gift and a commemorative medal. The hall applauded standing, and both children and adults did not hide their emotions.
Auntie Sonya did not just feed the children — she gave them a piece of home, warmth, and genuine care. Borscht, cutlets, blini, pirozhki, salads, and many other dishes of Russian cuisine, prepared with love, will forever remain in the memories of several generations of students. All the children loved Auntie Sonya very much and happily ran to the cafeteria, knowing that they would find not just food there, but a smile, care, and meals as tasty as grandma’s.
Over the years, hundreds of children have passed through the school, and almost every one can tell how Auntie Sonya smiled, gave them extra portions, and affectionately asked: “Well, is it tasty, sunshine?” Her work was a true service to the school, the children, and our entire community.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Sofia Alexandrovna (Auntie Sonya) for years of selfless labor, for the delicious lunches, for her kindness, and for becoming a real “school mom” and auntie to so many.
Auntie Sonya, thank you so much! You will forever remain in our hearts and in the brightest memories of our school years.
We wish you strong health, a peaceful and happy retirement, more time for yourself, your family, and everything you have been putting off for so long.
Russian Orthodox School Los Angeles June 2026