Natasha Zavoico Mathias

Natasha’s Lasting Legacy It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Natasha Zavoico Mathias, who left us after a severe stroke at the age of 87. A 95-pound force of nature, she was a kind-hearted dynamic spirit who lived life entirely on her own terms. Born in Hartford, Connecticut to Tatiana and Stephan Zavoico, she grew up as the middle child between two brothers, with a love of the outdoors, skiing, ornithology, and developed an appreciation for various forms of art modalities as-well-as medical studies and science. She graduated from Miss Hall’s Preparatory School in 1957, briefly attended the University of Hartford prior to travelling through Europe, then transitioned to an internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which brought her to Baltimore, Maryland. She settled first in the historic Bolton Hill neighborhood, where she met the love of her life, Edward Trail Mathias. After many fabulous years in the Baltimore area, Tasha was motivated to complete her undergraduate studies, and as a non-traditional student, graduated from the Goucher II Program in 1985. With her renewed passion for the arts, Tasha took up residency at The Mill Center, sharing traditional Russian art practices with the Baltimore community. Deeply proud of her Russian heritage, she arranged numerous events around Classic Russian Orthodox celebrations. Since Tasha was a natural socializer, she brought people together at every opportunity. Her Russian Christmas parties were always anticipated by family and friends, accompanied by a classic spread, complete with traditional Zakuski, chocolates and cakes, specialty Vodkas, which were all a testament to her hospitality and her roots. In 2012, Tasha and Trail moved from Bolton Hill to Blakehurst, enriching both communities. They built a lasting life together, never letting a moment pass to dance, travel, or to celebrate! Her creative vision was matched only by her zest for life. She loved classical music, sports, museums, floriography, and exploring the world. Some of her happiest moments, were the simplest ones, simply enjoying nature: barefoot walks along the shore at Old Black Point, Assateague, Ponte Vedra, the Carolina Beaches, and of course Key West. All places to search for sea glass, shells, shark’s teeth, and driftwood, while listening to birds and the sound of waves. Beneath Tasha’s spitfire personality lay a deeply caring soul. Her touch was gentle yet powerful, felt by everyone who knew her. She had an uncanny gift for choosing the absolute best greeting cards for her loved ones, a skill she passed down to her son. She also had a profound appreciation for puzzles and games. While visiting her at Blakehurst or OBP, the Rummikub board was always ready. And while she was a fierce and skilled competitor, her love of games brought the people she cared about together. She was predeceased by her parents, Tatiana and Stephan; her brothers, Steven Zavoico and Alexis Zavoico, and her husband, Edward Trail Mathias. She is survived by her devoted son, Stephen Phillip McCurdy Mathias, and her daughter-in-law, Andrea Justine Bechtel-Mathias, and many four-legged grand-babies. Additionally, she is survived by extended family and friends who all loved her deeply. She treasured time with those she knew; however, Tasha enthusiastically looked forward to mocha chinos, chocolate croissants, and especially, family cookouts. Tasha was a steadfast supporter of her son and daughter-in-law's love of animals, horses, fishing, adventures, and time spent together. Through them, her warmth, sharp wit, and love of a good "Tasha-tini" (accompanied, of course, by a feast of lobsters and oysters) will live on. In her honor, we remember the words of Rumi: "Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation." ________________________________________ Memorial Service: July 10th at the Church of the Redeemer at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to – The Walter’s Art Gallery, Baltimore, MD- https://thewalters.org/support/donate/ The Peale, Baltimore, MD- https://thepeale.org/donate/ Star-Spangled Flag House, Baltimore, MD- https://flaghouse.org/membership/make-a-gift Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, Niantic, CT- https://www.oswhills.org/make-a-gift.html

Natasha Zavoico Mathias

April 25, 1939 - May 4, 2026