I want to tell you about a Woman, someone close and
dearly loved, the wife of my brother Gavriel - Nina (Nekkadam) Kandhorova
(formerly Paltielova), who rightfully bears the title of Eshet Chayil (Woman of
Valor). In this world, there exists a special bond that knows no boundaries or
time. It is the bond between children and mothers. A mother is the first and
closest person in each of our lives. She gives us life, shows love, and
provides care and support.
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Our Nina... When I think of her, my heart fills with
warmth and peace. She is charming, beloved by all, sweet, and incredibly
modest. She entered our family 65 years ago, joining her destiny with my
brother Gavriel Kandhorov in 1958.
Nina was born in 1935 in the city of Dushanbe, into a
well-known, respected, and religious family of Nison Paltielov and Panino
Normatova. They raised six children: two sons (Bakhor and Boruhay) and four
daughters (Sivyo, Frida, Nina, and Khan). Bakhor and Boruhay were participants
in the Great Patriotic War; both were wounded, and the war left a profound mark
on them. They departed to the other world at an early age, each in different
post-war years.
Having successfully graduated from high school, Nina went
on to study at the Tajik State University, majoring in Tajik Philology. One
day, my mother Burcho Kandhorova saw Nina at a relative's place, where she sang
a beautiful Jewish song with her melodious voice. In that moment, my mother
thought that this girl could become her daughter-in-law and decided to
introduce her son, Gavriel, to Nina. At the time, Gavriel was also a student,
studying at the Faculty of Economics at the university.
In December 1958, my brother and the beautiful, blue-eyed
Nina Paltielova got married. She won the heart of her chosen one with her
modesty, intelligence, and gentle character. During the day, she worked as an
assistant to Tajik writer A. Dekhoti, and in the evenings, she continued her
studies. After completing her education, Nina stayed to work at the same
university, at the Faculty of Tajik Philology, and remained there until moving
to America. Among her colleagues at the faculty, she commanded immense respect
and admiration, and she was highly valued in her workplace.
I always admired her tireless energy and diligence. Nina
was incomparable in everything she put her heart and hands to: at work as a
valuable employee, and at home as a caring mother, devoted wife, and hospitable
hostess.
As expected, Nina became an ideal spouse. She loved her
husband deeply, always greeted him with joy, and took care of him. The family
of my brother warmly embraced Nina as their own daughter, as she quickly gained
their love and appreciation through her kind
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Daughter Elena: "I am very lucky to have had such a
wonderful mother. She was my best friend, with whom I could share my deepest
secrets. She was an example to aspire to as a woman, wife, and mother. My
mother always said, 'Do good to others, and it will always come back to you
from the Almighty.' My mother taught me many life skills. I often remember her
gentle hands, soft character, and her kind smile in front of my eyes. She was
very responsive, hospitable, and caring, always joyfully celebrating all our
holidays. I have never tasted dishes as delicious as hers anywhere else. And
when I asked her why her food was so delicious, she would reply that she cooked
with love. I don't know how many days God has planned for us, but no matter how
many days of life I have left, I will always love you, Mom!"
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Son Emanuel: "My mother was my idol. She was my air.
It is very difficult for me to talk about her in the past tense. When my
triplets were born, my parents helped us a lot. We lived together, and I will
never forget their care for us. Mom loved all her grandchildren unconditionally
and supported us both physically and emotionally. As long as our parents are
alive, we feel like children. I fulfilled all my mother's wishes with great
love, even though she never asked, but I knew what she needed. God sent us such
a wise and kind mother! As long as we are alive, she will live in our
hearts!"
Nina and Gabriel raised all their children and
grandchildren in accordance with our Jewish traditions. They organized weddings
for all their children and almost all their grandchildren. They are all noble,
honest, hardworking, and have wonderful families. Daughters-in-law surrounded
their parents with great attention and eagerly awaited Shabbat every week to
gather at their grandparents' and spend time together. More than 30 people
would gather, and there was always enough space at the large, beautifully set
table. Great-granddaughters brought homemade pastries and various desserts.
After tea, someone played chess, someone played backgammon or cards. These
family gatherings never bored Grandpa and Grandma and were filled with warmth,
care, and meaningful conversations. Grandma and Grandpa gave the young ones
good advice.
Our Ninochka is a modest worker, wise, highly educated,
intelligent, excellent hostess, loving wife, caring mother, wonderful
grandmother and great-grandmother. Everyone who knew her and whom she
selflessly helped throughout her long life adores her and remembers her warmly.
Unfortunately, we have lost the dearest and most beloved person. She passed
away on January 13, 2024. Her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
and relatives - we all feel the acute pain of loss, and our hearts deeply
mourn.
Nino was called a source of strength and the main support
in her husband Gabriel's life. She understood and supported him in any life
circumstances, and he assured everyone that the best possession for a man is a
sympathetic and kind wife. Now my brother is left orphaned, and this is after
65 years (!) of a happy life together. It is known that if a husband and wife
live happily in peace, love, and harmony, their mutual attachment strengthens
with each passing year and finally reaches such a development that they
literally cannot live without each other. But we - the children, relatives, and
friends - we will all be there, just as before because we feel very good, warm,
and cozy when we are together.
May our Ninаchka
be in the gardens of Gan Eden!
By Raya Kandhorova-Davydova
