This is the tribute I spoke in Katya's honor during the memorial service:

Katya
 What a name! Katya seemed to me a gorgeous name until I heard an even more beautiful one. “EKatarina.” I heard her repeat her full name for nurses at Stanford Hospital time and time again. EKatarina
 Beautiful. Wide, stunning smile with perfect teeth. Tall, slim body.
 Exotic. Gorgeous lilting accent and stories to tell of far away places. 
 Adventurous. Although I knew Katya in her mothering years, it was easy to tell, from her life story, that she had taken some significant risks in life. Imagine coming to America, from Russia, with only a small backpack, for a short visit to see her sister and never returning home! Then, going on to tackle the English language while getting a law degree. Then, having the boldness to give up law so that she could be an excellent mother. 
 Competent. As a mom, wife, friend, daughter, teacher, student and lawyer. She was ever so capable with everything that she attempted.
 Musical. Elegant, piano-playing fingers moving smoothly across the keyboard as she played songs from memory. 
 Hospitable.
 Delicious Sharlotka or Biscotti, served right out of the oven.
 Pero Instant Beverage. “What is this?” I asked her, having never seen this coffee-alternative beverage that she lovingly served me with plenty of milk and honey. (I just had to order some, in her honor, while writing this.)
 Kind. 
 Always a sweet, calm disposition, even during her months of loss, realizing that death might not be far away.
 Even when in pain, she was kind. I’ll never forget her turning around in her wheelchair in her living room, heading out to the ER, to ask me if my husband was also in her home to help with the kids. “Please tell him thank you,” she said, as she was wheeled toward the door.
 Considerate. I do not recall ever hearing Katya speak harshly about another person. The only harsh words she ever had were for cancer and death. 
 Attentive to her kids. In my 3 years of friendship with Katya, it was Daniel who was most evidently in need of her comfort and presence. However, when looking back through pictures, I found one of a young Peter, with both arms wrapped tightly around Katya’s leg as she supervised a backyard activity. “She was like that with all of her kids,” I reasoned, a sentiment echoed by others who have enjoyed her parenting for more years than I. She was always available and attentive to her 3 beautiful boys.
 And, finally, loving. When Katya spoke of what she faced in the last 6 months, her tears were for her boys. She was sorrowful about the prospect of being unable to finish what God gave her to begin – the discipleship of these 3 precious souls, Viktor, Peter and Daniel. 
 I will miss you, EKatarina, and all of your wonderful virtues, but I look forward to meeting again at heaven’s gates!
Love, Paige Burgess

Dear Katya,
We have never met, spoke only once on the phone. Looking at the pictures, hearing about you from your loved ones and reading the tributes, I can only see the most beautiful human being who was so dedicated to her husband and her children. Katya your loss is immeasurable due to your loving nature and kindness. I will pray for you,God Bless you darling.
"God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered, "Come to me"
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay
A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest
God broke our heats to prove to us
He only takes the best".

Dear friends,
Throughout Katya’s illness, I had often marveled at the acts of kindness and support that you had extended to our family. Every time you are at our doorstep resolute to help again and again, I am humbled by your love for Katya. My parents believe that I could always handle things alone.  I know that you are like the Good Samaritan, and I pray that you will know the good words written in Matthew 25:31-46.
Thank you.

Today's service was beautiful in every way. I think we all learned things about Katya we never knew before, each of which endear us to to her all the more. Sharing these stories somehow helps to soothe the pain of her loss. She was such an accomplished person, yet very humble; a woman of great depth, who could make the hardest things seem easy. She made so many courageous choices. Her parents prepared her so well for a life of contribution and joy. And It has been especially tender to see the way her husband and mother have taken care of her through her illness. My prayers are especially with Viktor and Nina for God to carry their burdens and lighten their heavy hearts. We love you!!!

I wish that I could be with all of you today to honor such a sweet and remarkable woman. I will always remember Katya for her kindness and warm smile. May God's comfort be with you always.

I will miss you my dear friend! I know you are at peace now in the presence of our Lord. Peace be with you until we meet again!

Katya and I met while attending law school at BYU. She and Valentina were really good friends. I remember her as a dedicated student who always had a smile on her face. She always dressed smart and was a lovely young woman. I was saddened to hear about her struggle with cancer and subsequent passing. May God be with your family at this difficult time.

You will be missed dear sister. I hang on to the promise our Lord gave us that one day we will see you again, free of pain and sorrow, surrounded by His presence.