We mourn the passing of Margarita
Balakhina-Zakinova — a woman of rare kindness and inner light, whose
warm heart united and uplifted so many of us. Her genuine goodness was felt
always — simple, sincere, and unmistakably real.
The beginning of December brought tremendous
sorrow to the San Diego community. No sooner had we begun grieving the loss of
our beloved Dora Shamuylova (early on the morning of December 3) than fate
delivered another deeply painful blow: in the evening of that same day, at the
age of 64, after a long and courageous battle with serious illness, Margarita’s
heart stopped.
Our dear Rita was far more than an active
member of the San Diego community — she was its living, gentle, endlessly warm
heart. We knew her as a woman of exceptional purity, devotion, and humility.
Elegant and always composed, she generously shared her charm and her
professional gift: as a talented stylist, she helped women feel beautiful,
confident, and cared for. Even during the hardest years of her illness,
battling pain with remarkable strength, she remained an example of neatness,
dignity, and grace.
Rita was born in Leninabad (Tajikistan), where
she and her beloved husband Anatoly
Zakinov built a strong and loving family. There they welcomed their
wonderful children — Anna and Ruben.
In 1993 the family moved to San Diego, immediately becoming part of our
community and bringing with them warmth, goodwill, and rare modesty.
Rita possessed a big and generous heart —
caring, attentive, and deeply compassionate. She could warm a person with just
a look, a smile, a single word of comfort. She considered love and care for her
family her life’s mission, and she devoted herself fully to it.
These qualities made her one of the most
beloved staff members at San Diego’s Adults
Day Care, where she worked for nearly 25 years. Among the elderly, her
presence was especially valued: her kindness, respect for every individual, and
sincere involvement cannot be overstated. Colleagues, patients, and everyone
who worked alongside her understood how irreplaceable she was — and today they
grieve deeply, knowing there could never be another like her.
Rita was a devoted wife, mother,
mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and grandmother. Her family was her pride, her
tenderness, the center of her entire world. She was born on March 18 — and
around this very date, the family of her beloved son Ruben is expecting a new
addition. May the birth of this child become a source of comfort, bringing
renewed hope and strength to the Zakinov family as they carry forward the
memory of their dear Rita.
It is difficult to accept that this bright,
modest, soulful woman is no longer with us. She loved genuinely — and was
genuinely loved in return. That is how she will remain in our hearts: warm,
alive, beloved, and true.
We extend our deepest condolences to Anatoly,
Anna, and Ruben, to their families, to the entire Balakhin and Zakinov
families, and to all relatives, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have
known and loved our dear Rita.
May her memory be a blessing.
May her family find peace, comfort, and a gentle easing of their sorrow.
With heartfelt sympathy,
The Members of the San Diego Yehudim
Community
