Baskina, Serra

Baskina, Serra, 83, died Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Miriam Hospital, Providence. She was affectionately known as “Baba Sonya” to her family and community.

Serra was born during WW2 in Slavgorod, Belarus, to the late Yankel Smolkin and Elka Fleer. She lost her father on the battlefield, and was raised by her mother. She was a star student, and persisted through difficult and humbling times. She proudly served as a nurse-midwife in the USSR, before moving to the United States with her family where she excitedly became a citizen. She raised her grandchildren on the principles of kindness and patience.

Devoted mother of Galina Berin (and her late husband, Mikhail) of Providence and Natalia Vygoder (and her husband, Gennady), of Pawtucket. Loving grandmother of Dr. Anna Berin-Wright (and her husband, Jeffrey), Olga Vygoder, Abraham Berin (and his wife, Leah), and Frank Vygoder. Cherished great grandmother of Mikhaila Berin-Wright, Mikhail Berin, and Maxwell Berin-Wright.

Many have seen her smiling face walking up and down Hope Street in Providence, enjoying a book in the Rochambeau library, sipping some tea in the Miriam Hospital cafeteria, or reciting poetry or singing songs from her youth at any function. She will be dearly missed.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Rd., Warwick. Shiva will be private.

To view the recorded service, please click here.