Alexandra “Alexa” Joanne Paliyenko

Ms. Paliyenko, age 65, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 25, 2026 at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, NC encircled by the love of her caregivers who knew her as “Lexi.” She was born in Shelby, North Carolina on December 29, 1960. Alexa was predeceased by her father, Paul Paliyenko, her infant sister, Andria Roksolana, her maternal grandparents, Ivan and Maria Sawka, her paternal grandparents, Oleksandra and Mykola Paliyenko, and her aunt, Anna Palijenko, her uncle, Wasyl Palijenko and her cousin Marianna Palijenko.

She derived joy from the simplest things in life and expressed her joy exuberantly to all around her. Despite her handicaps, Alexa lived a full and rich life that was provided for her by the visionary leaders and caregivers at the Riddle Center. She bravely faced the many challenges in her life and exemplified the same resilience as the brave Ukrainian men and women from whom she is descended who are fighting for their own lives and destinies. Like here father before her, she lived the credo: “Never give up. Never give in.”

Alexa is survived by her mother, Alexandra “Leslie” Paliyenko, her sisters Ava Gritzuk, Adrianna Kurylo and Annalisa Paliyenko along with her brothers Paul Paliyenko and Peter Paliyenko. She is also survived by her uncle, John Sawka and her cousins Nicholas Gritzuk and Peter Palijenko.

The family is forever deeply grateful for the wonderful, compassionate care provided by the residential, medical, habilitation and therapeutic staff at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, NC. This was Lexi’s extended family that made her life not only bearable, but joyful and meaningful.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Allegro Foundation (https://allegrofoundation.net/) or Maya’s Hope (https://mayashope.org/help-children-in-ukraine/) or the charity of one’s choice.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting with the arrangements.