Victoria V. Valova was born on September 23, 1959, in the city of Lviv, western Ukraine. Her father, Victor Emelyanovich Shubta, deceased (1997), was a chemistry teacher. Her mother, Irina Mikhailovna Babchuk, deceased (2013), was a pediatrician. Victoria excelled at almost anything she attempted: she was an honor student graduating with gold medal distinction from both her high school and music school. At 17 Victoria was admitted to Lviv University. She graduated at the age of 22. In 1991 she immigrated to the United States.

She was an accomplished pianist. Her zeal in life was not restricted to academics and the arts. Victoria cherished fishing with her dad, adored nature, and traveled adventurous paths; Machu Picchu, Fiji, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Paris, London, Turkey, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Mount Everest base camp, and Israel. In her travels she was not a mere observer of culture but often a participant in explorer-level physical endurance experiences. She was passionate also about cooking and gardening. Her favorite flower is the Phalaenopis Orchid which is a shade of her favorite color, purple.

From her childhood, Victoria was athletic and competitive and found a life partner and fellow athletic adventure enthusiast when she met Thach Nguyen. They were joined in marriage and together shared their lives traveling, exploring, experiencing, and loving each other.

Victoria is survived by her Husband, Thach, her son Andrew Zelenstov, daughter-in-law Wendy Zelentsov; grandchildren, Dresden and Lorelei; beloved sister, Inna Shoobta; and her niece Nina.



Visitation will be Tuesday, February 6, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W Lawrence Ave.  Family and friends are invited to meet at The Moody Church, 1635 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, for the Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m.  Interment is private.  Info: 708-456-8300



Link to join memorial service for Victoria. http://: https://moodychurch.zoom.us/j/87490578405?pwd=6oHKPQyDfnDmDaxRI6wHbVSbXq1Amb.1