Elena Nizhny Rein, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, has passed away at the age of 57, after a heartfelt battle with Stage IV breast cancer. Elena fought cancer with strength and dignity, surviving for almost four years after her initial diagnosis. Thanks to the amazing team at Duke Cancer Center, she was able to see the birth of her first grandchild, and watch her grow for two years.

Elena was a true Renaissance woman. Not only was she a gifted artist, but a passionate and talented musician and writer as well. Though she was an introvert, she came alive when leading a group of friends and family in song on her guitar.

Elena immigrated to the United States from the former USSR in 1992, at the age of 25, to seek a better life for herself and her family. She lived in North Carolina, surrounded by family and friends who loved her. Even while fighting cancer, her providers always commented on how cheerful she was, and what a joy she was to treat. She is predeceased by her grandmother, Nina Nizhnaya, and her father, Leonid Ocheredner. She is survived by her mother, Sofya Nizhnaya, her daughter, Katya Skillestad, her son-in-law Garrett Skillestad, and her granddaughter Nina Skillestad.

In place of flowers, which are less typical at Jewish funerals, we invite you to donate to the Duke Cancer Center Breast Cancer Department if you are able. Specifically, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Elena’s oncologist, Dr. Jeremy Force, and her nurse practitioner, Krista Lebron.