Rena Kudrin

The Handmaiden of God, Rena J. Kudrin fell asleep in the Lord, with family at her side in Anchorage, Alaska on October 15, 2025.
Rena was born on St. Paul Island, February 1, 1962, to Nicolai Melovidov and Maria (Shaishnikoff) Melovidov, her maternal grandparents were Sergie Shaishnikoff and Nadesda (Philemonoff).
She was united in marriage to her husband and love of her life Alexander (Alex) Kudrin for 36 years prior to his death. Together they had one child, Maria and two grandchildren Alexandra and Daniel (Little Dan). Her daughter and grandchildren were the joys of her life.
She was raised by her parents, maternal grandparents, and Vyachaslav & Clara Melovidov. Qualities instilled in her that continued throughout her lifetime were to be strong, looking out for the community, listening, being kind, knowledge of and prioritizing faith, family, and looking for the 'good' in all things and enjoying everything.
She always called St. Paul home with a few brief moves to Guam (1974-1976), St. George Island and Dutch Harbor. She often spoke about how many people inspired her, from leaders in the past to present and numerous priests in the community during her time. She was raised to attend church every Saturday evening and Sunday morning and holidays. She remained a servant to the Russian Orthodox church and faith.
She shared stories of living off the land and water as a child including foods like halibut, seal, birds, berries and eating homemade pies by her mother on holidays. She remembered growing up during an era that consisted of playing outside, skipping on rocks, eating sea urchins at the shore, playing on the tundra, and running free. She recalls community events where the village gathered as a whole at church, for Christmas programs and 4th of July celebrations at the ball field.
Professionally, Rena was an honest, ethical and dependable employee. She began working at the young age of 12 in Guam. She carried roles throughout her career ranging from working as a junk yard attendant, cashier, waitress, secretary, hotel manager, telephone operator, teachers aid, bingo worker, postal service clerk, ticket agent, airplane fueler, bar tender, gas attendant, store stocker, and office manager. She has history working for Tanadgusix Corporation (TDX), City of St. Paul, Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, U.S. Postal Service, Reeve Aleutian Airways, Peninsula Airways, Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, Tanaq Corporation, Aleut Community of St. Paul Tribe, Alaska Ship Supply and most recently, Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association as the Office Manager where she continued to serve for 27 years.
Rena's love and passion for the community of St. Paul Island was apparent in her dedicated places of employment. She always aimed to safeguard St. Paul Island as an economically thriving community for the future generations and their families. She especially focused on the youth and overall future of the community. She advocated for the Elders of St. Paul Island ensuring their needs were met and felt strongly about calling St. Paul home, a good place to live, and considered every household when there were additional resources to offer.
She served as a TDX Board Member for multiple years (2018-2025) and participated in the Audit, Investment and Shareholder Affairs Committees.
She is survived by her daughter Maria Kudrin (David), grandchildren Alexandra and Daniel; siblings Samuel Melovidov (Sarah), Nadesda Douglas, Platonida Kashatok, Rebecca Philemonoff, Nicolai Melovidov, Benjamin Leon Guerrero (Silvia), Juan Leon Guerrero, Jr. (Cara), Tina Woods (Daniel), Angela Kochutin, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and God children. She also left behind extended close family and friends who were always there for her on island 'like' siblings including Robert Melovidov and Zoya Chapman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex, her parents Nicolai and Mary Melovidov, sister Julianna Shane, multiple brother in-law(s) Walter Shane, Anthony Philemonoff, and Charles Kashatok.
Funeral services and burial will be held at the St. Peter & Paul Church on St. Paul Island scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (pending weather and travel arrangements).