Dr. Antanina R. Žmuidzinas passed away peacefully, with loved ones holding her hands, after a year of meeting medical challenges with her usual determination, humor, optimism, kindness, and grace. Doctors and nurses said, “Everybody loves Antanina!” and “She’s a trooper.” 

 

     Born June 11, 1963 in Rochester, NY, Antanina died in New York City on the summer solstice, June 21, 2019. She had a PhD in molecular biology, was a published cancer researcher, thrived as a science teacher at Saint Ann’s School since 1995, and had a lifelong devotion to“Neringa” Lithuanian heritage camp in Vermont as a camper, counselor, performer, theatrical director, program leader, and board member. 

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     A lover of literature and theater, Antanina created poetry performances and toured them in the USA and Lithuania. For the past five years she was the host and writer for a Lithuanian radio show known as “Dainos Aidas” (Echoes of a Song). She created her 35th radio show in March: it included thoughts, scripture, poetry, and music on the theme of time. She ended it by saying in Lithuanian, “The time has come, dear listeners of ‘Dainos Aidas,’ to say goodbye. I am Antanina Žmuidzinas. The recording technician was Michael Roam. We wish you beautiful budding spring days, and we trust that you will spend your time meaningfully. Until next time...” 

 

      Antanina was a generous vibrant spirit, had a wild sense of humor and fun, was a singer and a dancer, and a scientist. She will continue to live in the lives she touched, including more than two thousand students and campers.

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     She is survived by her partner Mike Roam and her brother Simonas Žmuidzinas. Her remains were buried beside those of her parents and grand-parents at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Putnam, CT, on Friday June 28, 2019 after a Catholic funeral mass.

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See more memorial information and photos at tinyurl.com/antanina2019.

 

Donations in her blessed memory may be sent to the Camp Neringa capital campaign: https://www.neringa100.org/  

 

     “Iki kito!” ("Until next time...")