Nadia Doubinin

1949 - 2025

Nadia Doubinin
08/11/1949 - 10/22/2025
On August 11, 1949 Nadia was born in Igorevsk, Russia - a rural suburb of Moscow - the only daughter of Katarina and Yakov Amelin. She assisted her mother and aunt with farming, livestock and fruit canning. She was an avid reader of Jack London. After high school, she attended the Moscow College of Professional Education earning a degree in Russian History.
With her first husband, Isaac Gershunovich, Nadia traveled throughout Russia, the Middle East and Europe. In Israel she taught children art and music in a Kibbutz Community. In Rome she embraced the Italians and their culture. In 1974 Nadia and Isaac immigrated to the United States and moved to San Francisco. Within a few years, they divorced. As a single woman, Nadia worked various jobs including Emporium Retail Sales and Wells Fargo Bank - International Department.
In 1981, Nadia married Vadim Doubinin and settled in the Sunset District. She gave birth to their son, Alex, and special needs daughter, Sasha. The couple eventually divorced, with Nadia single-handedly raising both children. Nadia's devotion to her children was unparalleled, and her friends marveled at how she lovingly balanced her family life.
In 1994, following surgery, Sasha experienced complications, and she was unable to recover. After 10 days, Nadia made the heart-wrenching decision to remove life support allowing Sasha to die peacefully. Over the next 5 years, Nadia volunteered with the San Francisco Association of Retired Citizens where she provided various services for medically fragile clients.
Nadia met Michael Cetinich in 1995 and they shared a loving relationship for over 30 years, enjoying the company of family and friends, with travel throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona.
As an Esthetician, Nadia worked at various day spas including the Claremont Hotel/Spa in Oakland between 1998 and 2006. She was recognized twice as "Associate of the Month," as well as "Associate of the Year."
Nadia was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer's (Frontal Temporal Dementia) in 2010. She transitioned from her home and eventually resided at Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco since 2014. For over 11 years, she received consistent and compassionate care from the nursing staff supervised by Dr. Yeva Johnson. She was also blessed and fortunate to have regular visits from her friends: Barbara, Mary, Helen, Rosa, Marina, Oleg, Sharon, Carla, David, Jane, Kenneth and Lisa - as well as her private caregivers: Senait, Alganesh, Dickyi, Nora, and Carol.
After experiencing respiratory issues for 5 days, Nadia died peacefully surrounded by friends and nurses on October 22, 2025.
From its Slavic Roots, Nadia's name means "HOPE," appropriate for her since she unselfishly offered hope, guidance and assistance to many people in her lifetime. She exemplified an independent, energetic, beautiful and self-reliant woman. She possessed a spiritual awareness as well as a charismatic charm.
Predeceased by her parents as well as Vadim and Sasha Doubinin, Nadia is survived by her brother, Valeriy Amelin, her son, Alex Doubinin, and her partner, Michael Cetinich.
As Nadia progresses to the Light and reunites with her loved ones, may she be at Eternal Rest and Peace - with Ultimate Love.
Private Services; Donations can be sent in Nadia's name to:
*Laguna Honda Hospital - San Francisco
*Alzheimer's Association - Northern California/Nevada
*Alzheimer's Disease Research - Clarksburg, MD