Obituary of Aglae Washington Saitschenko

Aglaé Washington Saitschenko, age 98, passed away on December 15, 2023, in Manhassett, New York. She was born on September 27, 1925, in Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to Carmelia and Juvenal Washington. Aglaé was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Geraldo, Ivo, Lygia, Glaucia, Lys, and Solon Washington. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Switoslaw Stowbunenko-Saitschenko, her children Lew and Kat Stowe, Marucia Rella, Marcus Saitschenko and Jim Goldstein, her grandchildren Viraj and Daniel Stowe, Ana Stowe, Celina and Nate Barnet, Giovanni and Adriana Rella, and great grandchildren, Julia, Alexi, and Valerie Stowe, and Noa Barnet as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends who will miss her dearly. Aglaé was a remarkable woman who lived a life filled with purpose and compassion. She was known for her hard work, drive, and caring nature. Always concerned with others, Aglaé would regularly call her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to check on their well-being. She was always ready to help anyone in need, even taking in total strangers into her home to offer them assistance. Aglaé played a significant role in helping people immigrate to the United States, obtain an education, and launch their careers. Her lifetime of wisdom was graciously shared with those who sought her advice and guidance. Her love for life knew no bounds, and Aglaé had a passion for travel. She spoke five languages and had the opportunity to explore various countries around the world. Aglaé's journey began as a tutor and teacher, riding on horseback to local farms to educate grade school children. She eventually became the director of an all Catholic girls school before transitioning to the role of executive administrative assistant to the head of local law enforcement. Seeking new opportunities, Aglaé asked for a transfer to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she worked as a senior executive secretary for the Justice Minister at the Department of Justice. She later became the senior executive assistant to three Brazilian Presidents, Getulio Vargas, Tancredo Neves, and Jucilino Kubichek. During her time in Brazil, Aglaé had the pleasure of meeting Eva Peron, the wife of the President of Argentina, and was given a grand tour of the presidential palace. She found Eva Peron to be a simple, humble, and kind woman who had a great deal of reverence and respect for her country and its people. Aglaé's journey led her to the United States, where her husband Swito secured a job working in Air Cargo for Pan American World Airlines. This opportunity allowed them to travel with their three children to numerous countries, fostering a love for exploring new cultures and making friends along the way. Aglaé had a passion for cooking and could talk about food and cooking all day long. She found immense joy when her granddaughter married a chef, further deepening their shared love for culinary delights. A savvy businesswoman, Aglaé encouraged her husband to invest in real estate. Through careful planning and counting every penny, they built a small portfolio of properties that provided them with comfort during their retirement years. Aglaé and Swito generously shared any extra funds with family members in need, embodying their lifelong commitment to helping others. In her later years, Aglaé devoted herself to caring for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She made it a point to reach out to her loved ones daily, checking in on their lives and offering support. Even in the hospital, when asked about her husband, Aglaé replied, "That's the only man I ever loved." Her last words were, "Farewell. Be with God." Aglaé was a devout Catholic who found solace in her faith. She loved the 23rd and 91st Psalms and recited Psalm 25:4-5 daily, considering it the most beautiful words one could pray each day. She received communion daily, including on her last day, and was anointed with the blood of the Savior at her last breath. Services for Aglaé Washington Saitschenko will be held at Perry Funeral Home, located at 118 Union Ave, Lynbrook, NY 11563, United States. The visitation will take place on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that anyone who wishes to assist with funeral expenses can make contributions through Venmo to @M-Rella or Zelle to @swito1 Additionally, the family plans to establish a Charitable Foundation in Aglaé's name to honor her lifetime of giving and helping others. The foundation will invest funds in an investment that pays dividends, which will be given away each year to family members in need, scholarships, education, the purchase of their first home, medical expenses, funeral expenses, wedding expenses, and more. The foundation will be administered by a third party on behalf of the family, and contributions can be made by those who wish to support the entire family's well-being. Aglaé Washington Saitschenko will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion to family and community will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.