Remembering Alexandra Kalvenas-Kazickas
On June 17, we remember and honor Alexandra Kalvenas-Kazickas, who was born 106 years ago, on June 17, 1920. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother of five children, and a steadfast life partner to her husband, Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas (1918–2014).
Together, they endured the hardships of war in Lithuania, life in refugee camps in Germany, and the challenge of building a new life in America.
Today, we remember her above all for the values by which she lived – her love for her family, devotion to Lithuania, loyalty to her friends, humility, grace, and generosity.
Alexandra’s life was guided by compassion for others and a sincere desire to help those around her. Even in the most difficult moments, she never lost her faith, gratitude, or her ability to care for others. These values are reflected in the words she wrote in her diary in 1975:
“I felt bad for all of them and would have liked to help them but did not know how. But then I think again, if only my being here provides a bit of happiness for these people, if only my visit turns their monotonous days into a ray of sunshine, then my trip, my inconvenience, my personal sadness and longing are so insignificant. And it does look to me that I make them happy.”
Alexandra Kalvenas-Kazickas passed away on June 17, 2011, at the age of 91. Her life continues to inspire us to cultivate compassion and care for one another.
