Alene Trutowska Kutsherenko

Alene Trutowska Kutsherenko, 84, of Chapin, South Carolina, died on September 22, 2026.

Born on April 20, 1942, in Krasnopile, Ukraine, she was a daughter to the late Constantine Trutowski and the late Sophia Akulova Trutowska.

Born during the height of World War II in Eastern Europe, she spent the majority of her childhood in a holding camp in Germany. Here she learned survival skills and how to find joy despite the tough conditions. After being released from the camp, she relocated with her mother in the United States, where she spent countless hours in front of the mirror learning to speak English without an accent.

She met her husband, Anthony, at church and they began building a life together. While the children were young, they joined the Tanglefoots Square Dance club where they enjoyed many dances together. Alene was a member of Tanglefoots for over 50 years, during which time she served as Treasurer and President.

Alene, being Rh negative, had some additional risks during her pregnancies. Ultimately this led to her being one of the first people to join in the RhoGam trials, making her a true pioneer for future generations to experience the benefit of this program. Throughout her life she made a point to always donate blood, helping save lives for those with this blood type.

After the death of her husband, in addition to her regular job she took on additional side jobs to ensure her family always had what they needed. As they began families of their own, she was there for every doctor’s appointment and always knew how to show up when needed.

Alene had a variety of favorite pastimes that brought her great joy. If she was not dancing, she could be found playing a competitive game of spades, cooking Baklava or bedazzling anything she could get her hands on. Her favorite pastime, however, was her family – she treasured time together and would do anything for them.

Ultimately, Alene’s life was defined not by the hardships she endured, but by the boundless love and strength she gave away. “Babsia” loved dearly and will be missed deeply.

Alene is survived by her children; Vera K. Timmons (Al), Christina Kutsherenko, and Anthony Kutsherenko (Meda); grandchildren, Anthony Adem (AJ) Kutsherenko, Eleanor Alene (Ella) Kutsherenko, Zachary Alvin (Zach) Timmons, and Joshua Ernest (Josh) Timmons; sister, Irene Carmen (Tom); and nieces and nephews, Maria, Alexander, Nicholas and Katya.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Kutsherenko.

Services will be held at Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin, at 2:00 PM, Friday, September 25, 2026. A celebration will follow the service, at the funeral home, to honor Alene’s wishes.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kutsherenko family.