Cultures + Generations + Hearts + Connected

Aleksandra (also known as Alla) Rozenblit was born on January 8, 1924, in Odessa, Ukraine. She had a sister named Lilia, whom she referred to as her twin because they were only twelve months apart. On September 28, 1941, Alla and her family managed to escape Odessa on the last ship out before the city was occupied by the Nazis. As Jewish refugees, Alla and her family eventually found their way to Uzbekistan and later returned back to Odessa after the war.

She earned a degree in chemistry and worked as a chemist. Alla married Efim Mitelman, and they had a daughter together. On her first day at work, everyone at the factory was arrested and sent to prison. While in custody, she learned she was pregnant with her second child. Although she never planned to have a second child, her greatest regret in life has been not having a third. Following Stalin’s death, she was among the first to be released from prison.

Her life was marked by many hardships. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, and Alla spent many years caring for her. She continued to serve as the family’s pillar, caring for her grandchildren with love and discipline. Summers were spent at their beloved “dacha” by the Black Sea.

After moving to the United States, Alla remained as energetic as ever. Most of use could barely keep up with her She was affectionately called “Bulchik,” a nickname derived from the Russian word “Babushka,” which was lovingly shortened to “Babulchik,” and then further to “Bulchik” which was also easier for her great-grandkids. The name just stuck.

Alla continued to assist with her great-grandchildren well into her 80s, and her mind remained remarkably sharp until the very end. She was the embodiment of strength and resilience, always demonstrating her kindness through her actions.

She passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025 at the age of 101 years and 4 months.