Eugenia L. Oks

Eugenia Lea (Levandovskaya) Oks passed away on October 11, 2026, in Boston, MA.

Eugenia was born in Odesa, Ukraine (former Soviet Union) in 1952, and moved to Moscow, Russia, in 1973. In 1990, she emigrated to the United States with her family, initially living in Auburn, AL, and finally moving to Norwood, MA, upon her retirement in 2018. A piece of her heart has always been in Paris, France, where she spent many weeks, and sometimes months, every year, and where she once spent a year-long sabbatical.

Eugenia was vibrant, optimistic, loving, kind, trusting, and giving. She loved all the beautiful, elegant, and exciting things in life, appreciating the tiniest fine details. She loved celebrations, fashion, travel, art, music, and theater. Eugenia found joy in holiday decorations, birthday balloons, flowers, and hand written notes. She relished the beach and warm weather. Eugenia truly loved people, easily making friends wherever she went, and treasuring her lifelong friendships. She was devoted to her family. She was also dedicated to French language and culture.

Eugenia received a B.A. in French language, literature, and education at Odesa State University, followed by a M.A. in the same field at Moscow Linguistic University, where she subsequently completed the most advanced two-year course for interpreters. She initially worked as a French interpreter for the USSR Committee for Standards, and afterwards as an interpreter for L’Oreal in both Moscow and Paris. She then taught evening French classes at the School of Foreign Languages for Professionals in Moscow, which allowed her flexibility to spend time with her daughter, Alice. Eugenia went on to become a Coordinator of French-Russian Cultural Exchanges at the State Consortium of the USSR Theaters for Performing Arts, a perfect opportunity which combined her love of French and theater.

After moving to Auburn, AL, Eugenia created a new life for herself, learning English and making new friends. She taught all levels of French at Auburn High School from 1993 until her retirement in 2018, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Madame Oks was beloved by her students, some of whom kept in touch with her for many years after their graduation. In their letters, former students thanked her for sharing her love of France and encouraging them to discover the world. She received an award for excellence in teaching from the Foreign Language Teachers Association of Alabama. In 2013, she was named Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes academiques (Knight in the Order of Academic Palms) by the French Republic’s Ministry of Education in recognition of her passionate advancement of French culture and language.

After moving to Massachusetts in 2018, Eugenia rejoiced in spending more time with her mother Anna and her daughter Alice’s family, including three grandchildren with whom Eugenia sang French songs, and shared French as well as Russian traditions. Eugenia frequented events at the French Library/ Alliance Française in Boston, exhibits and film festivals at the Museum of Fine Arts, and multiple performances. She enjoyed the opportunities for longer trips to Europe and Asia. And of course she once again shared her heart with new friends.

Eugenia was the beloved daughter of Anna (Brodetskaya) Levandovskaya and the late Igor Levandoskiy. She is survived by Anna Levandovskaya, Eugene Oks, Alice Fisher, Robert Fisher, and three grandchildren.

A funeral service in celebration of Eugenia’s life will be held on Sunday, October 18, at Burke and Blackington Funeral Home at 1479 Washington Street, West Newton, MA. Visiting hours will be from 1-2:30 pm, followed by a service at 2:30 pm. Burial will be private on a separate date.