The life of Nadja Durasoff was filled with laughter, love and devotion, always keeping Jesus Christ close in her heart.
Born in 1921 to loving Russian immigrant parents, Nadja was the fourth of 12 children and the eldest daughter. Brought up in New York City, she helped her parents raise her five younger sisters, cooking traditional meals and keeping the home spotlessly clean.
When she was 19 years old, she fell in love with Steve Durasoff, literally “the boy next door”. When he was called to serve in World War II, they began their 67 years of loving marriage at his base in North Carolina. Soon after, Steve joined the ministry, the beginning of a lifelong adventure that brought the young couple to New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Missouri and overseas. “Nadj” was at Steve’s side every step of the way, accompanying him on his numerous missionary trips to Russia and Europe, always helping him bring people to Jesus.
In 1980, the Durasoffs moved to Brussels, Belgium where they became Assemblies of God missionaries at Continental Bible College. For four years, as Steve served as President, his first lady Nadja supported him and acted as a surrogate parent to the many international students, guiding and teaching them the good ways of the world.
Nadja and Steve later retired to Springfield, Missouri where friends, family, church and the home became their main devotions. Known for her impeccable taste, Nadja was ever the entertainer, frequently hosting dinner parties and serving her signature Russian dishes of “golubtsi” stuffed cabbages, “pirogi” dumplings and fruit “compote”.
Wife, mother, (great) grandmother and dear friend to so many, Nadja Durasoff praised Jesus until her last day on Thursday, February 17th. She died peacefully in her home, reuniting with Steve, the love of her life, in heaven, their true home.
She was preceded in death by Steve, as well as her brothers, Anatole and Michael and sisters, Sophie and Mary.
She is survived by her children, Douglas Durasoff and Dana, Delores Taylor and Daniel; four grandchildren, Matthew and Hannah Durasoff; Sarah and Sonya Taylor; and one great-grandchild, Riley Durasoff.
Visitation will be held in Greenlawn North Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at noon, also in Greenlawn North Funeral Home, immediately followed by a processional and burial at the Veterans Cemetery at 2 p.m.