Lidia Kucherski Memorial Loan Fund
Donate to help us support new and existing Jewish businesses
Lidia Kucherski, family matriarch and beloved mother of Inna Kinney, ECDI Founder and CEO, passed away suddenly on Jan. 21st, 2024. In honor of her memory and her legacy, Inna and her father, Lev Kucherski, established a loan fund to benefit new and existing Jewish businesses.
Lidia Kucherski, 84, passed away suddenly on January 21st, 2024 in Florida. Lidia was born on October 15, 1939 to Shaika and Malka Slepoy in the former Soviet Union. Preceded in death by her sister, Galina and brother, Izya.
Lidia immigrated to the United States in 1974 with her husband, two young daughters, and pregnant with $300 to their name. They were one of the first Russian-Jewish families sponsored by the Columbus Jewish Federation to immigrate to Columbus, OH. While focusing on raising three successful children, Lidia also picked up odd jobs across Columbus and Dayton to support her family as they found footing in the United States.
In the 1980’s Lidia and her husband, Lev, opened up Lev’s Pawn Shop. Lidia grew into what was her most recognizable role in Columbus, behind the jewelry counter. There, Lidia's infectious and warm personality built life-long connections across Columbus while helping build a successful life for her family.
Lidia found it of the utmost importance to give back to the community that gave her family the opportunity to thrive. Lidia was responsible for helping sponsor countless families and other relatives to move to the United States. She ensured they have housing, food, and job opportunities upon arrival. Additionally, Lidia was a pillar of the Jewish community. She was a strong supporter and advocate of the Columbus Jewish Federation, Columbus Torah Academy, Israel and many congregations. She also helped sponsor numerous trips to Israel for the Columbus Jewish community, a personal dream of hers.
More than anything, Lidia loved and was devoted to her family as a wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. She believed that family was the most important thing in life and ensured that she had a thriving relationship with everyone lucky enough to be in her family. Lidia was the Matriarch of her family and thrived in that role.
Lidia is survived by her husband, Lev; siblings, Sonia, Grysha, and Yasha; daughters, Inna (John), Marsha (Andrei), and Susan (Gilad); grandchildren, Nicholas (Tiffany), Danielle, Mara (Nate), Jacob, Katherine, Julia, Samuel, Goldie, and Emmanuelle; and great grandchild, Isaac.
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In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation. In honor of her mother, Inna Kinney, Founder and CEO of ECDI, and her father, Lev, have established the Lidia Kucherski revolving loan fund for Jewish Businesses.