Galina Estelle Conrad

Galina Estelle Conrad born Galina Radkova Hristova in Oriahova, Bulgaria, February 14, 1986 (yes, Valentine's Day). Her mother often joked that it should have been Halloween. She went straight into an orphanage where she spent her first six years. Does anybody ever recover from such a start in life? As she screamed and kicked her way through Newark airport May 12, 1992, her with dark skin and hair, being dragged by a light skinned blond woman, her new mother was terrified she would be arrested for kidnapping. Life with Galina was going to be a challenge! Her mother would later say she had two hospital children and one airport child. Must have been very frightening at first, not understanding what people were saying (English) and having two eye surgeries. She slowly fit in at school, liked by kids and teachers alike. She came apparently very used to kicking a ball around. She loved sports and gladly followed her brothers into running, swimming, hiking and other activities. Galina was more like having a third son. Dolls and dresses were not the thing! She always loved animals! In high school she enjoyed cross-country running and basketball. She developed a love of art which grew over time. As an adult she worked as a cook for some years. She was a conscientious worker and got angry about people who weren't. She was big hearted and got outraged at people who were unkind and acted selfishly. Galina got satisfaction from working at Amistad when she was able to help someone. She really cared about people and had many friends who will miss her. What friends said: One of the things that come to mind - her ability to fill a room with her presence and her spunk and energy. You shined so bright you could illuminate the darkest of places. I'll miss your laugh, your jokes, your art and your presence. Your passion for helping our community was unparalleled. She leaves a big hole in her family: parents Marlin & Kathleen; brother Claton & sister-in-law Michelle & their son Jax; brother Elliot & sister-in-law Sarah; and Uncle John. Galina, we will always love you!!! Visiting Hours will begin at 1:30 pm on Friday May 10th with a funeral service to follow at 2:30 pm at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland, ME.

Galina Estelle Conrad

February 14, 1986 - April 22, 2024

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