~ IN MEMORIUM ~

Olga Surikova (1983 - 2003)

In August 2003, Olga Surikova, the subject of a children's book, "RUSSIAN GIRL, Life in an Old Russian Town" by Russ Kendall was tragically killed. Olga and a friend were struck by a car in Vladimir and both girls died in the accident. The girls are buried together in the cemetery in Suzdal.

In 1995, the Sister City Committee brought Olga, her mother Elena and her brother Ivan here to visit Windham. Russ Kendall, the author of the book about Olga was here for the visit as well. During her visit she met with the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Selectmen and stayed with a local family. A trip to Canobie Lake was a highlight for the visit.

In Olga's memory, the committee will be bringing some children's books to the Suzdal Library during our next visit.

The Scholastic book about Olga is currently out of print but is available to borrow at the Nesmith Library and the Golden Brook Library. Below are some pictures highlighting Olga's time with us in Windham.

Left: Olga, her mother Elena and her brother Ivan taken at Town Hall near the symbol of Suzdal, "Sokol".

Right: Olga and Chief Moeckel in disguise.

Top: Former Deputy Chief Wallace, Elena, Ivan, Olga.

Bottom: The group with our host at Canobie Lake Park. We are presenting Olga's book to our host.