Memorial Service Connects Family Across Continents in Iryna Zarutska’s Funeral

Lead: A commemorative funeral service for 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was held today in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her father participating remotely from Kyiv under Ukraine’s martial-law travel restrictions.

Nut Graf: The hybrid ceremony underscores the enduring bond of Zarutska’s family and community, bridging geographical and wartime barriers to honor the young artist whose life was tragically cut short in an unprovoked August 22 stabbing aboard a Charlotte light-rail train.

Service Highlights and Shared Remembrance

  • Held at James Funeral Home in Huntersville, the service was attended by over 100 mourners, including friends, neighbors, and colleagues from Zepeddies Pizzeria, where Zarutska worked as a line cook.
  • A live FaceTime feed enabled Stanislav Zarutskyi to speak and weep with Zarutska’s mother, siblings, and life partner from his home in Kyiv, where martial law bars fighting-age men from leaving.
  • Attendees laid white roses and displayed Zarutska’s sculptures and clothing designs-tangible reminders of her creativity and compassionate spirit.

Family Reflections and Community Impact

Zarutska’s uncle described her as “the glue of the family,” recalling her swift mastery of English and her dream of becoming a veterinary assistant. Her obituary paints her as a “vibrant spirit” whose love of animals, art, and family left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Ongoing Dialogue on Safety and Support

Her death, captured on surveillance video, has sparked national debate over transit security, mental-health support, and criminal justice protocols. Charlotte’s mayor has called for enhanced compassion in public-safety policies, while federal prosecutors pursue first-degree and federal charges against Decarlos Brown Jr., who faces potential capital penalties.

Continuing Legacy

In lieu of flowers, the Zarutska family has asked for donations to a scholarship fund in Iryna’s name to support refugee students pursuing arts and animal-care vocations-endeavors that reflect her passions and promise to keep her spirit alive in communities on both sides of the Atlantic.