Irina S. Zaydman, MD

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Dr. Irina Zaydman, MD on May 9, 2025, in Houston, Texas.

Born on March 22, 1934, in Minsk to Solomon Markovich Astrachan and Bella Aronovna Blumina, she spent a portion of her childhood in a large Russian village named Maximovka, to escape WWII. There she lived with her mom, grandmother, aunt, and cousin, while her father escaped the bombing in Minsk, and made his way to Moscow. Then in July 1944, when Minsk was free from the Germans, Irina, her mother, father, and extended family were able to return to Minsk.

Irina was an extraordinary student who loved history, literature, English, and who also excelled at chemistry. When Irina’s sixth grade class was invited to the Minsk Medical School for a tour, she was so impressed that she decided then and there that she wanted to become a doctor. Despite the obstacles she faced as a Russian Jew, she was accepted to the Kaunas Medical School, and later, the Minsk Medical School. There she earned her medical degree, an Honors diploma, and out of 800 students, she was only one of eight students who had earned all A’s all seven years of medical school. After graduating in 1957, Irina was hired as a visiting doctor in an outpatient pediatric clinic. As a visiting doctor, she made 25 to 30 visits per day and was very happy. Then several years later, Irina was promoted to Chief of the Outpatient Pediatric Clinic where she worked from 1959 to 1963.

In 1952, Irina met Garrick Zaydman while he was studying at Polytechnic institute in Kaunas. They were married four years later in Minsk, and they went on to share the next 35 years together. In 1957, they welcomed their first and only child, Marina. 20 years later, they became grandparents to their first grandchild, Paul. Four years later, in 1981, Irina, Garrick, Marina, and Paul were able to immigrate to the United States. Houston became their home for the rest of their lives.

Full of dreams and determination, Irina began studying medicine from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every single day. Irina passed her ECFMG in 1982, American Board exam in 1983, and English exam in 1984. In 1985, Irina and Garrick celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Marina, to Ted Hirsch.

Through persistence and incredible hard work, Irina was accepted into residency at Driscoll Hospital in Corpus Christi. There she would go on to complete her residency in1987 as well as passing her Board exam in pediatrics. After residency, Irina worked at the C&Y clinic in Corpus Christi for a year, before moving back to Houston for her next professional endeavor. There she worked for McGregor Clinic from 1988 to 2000. During that time, Irina became a grandmother for a second time to her grandson, Garrick.

In 2000, McGregor Clinic was shut down. For two years, Irina worked at another multi-specialty clinic. In 2002, at the age of 68, when most people retire or think about retirement, Irina decided to open a private practice with another pediatrician who was her dear friend and business partner.

In 2013, Irina celebrated the marriage of her oldest grandson, Paul, to Svetlana Kantorovich. Then three and five years later, Irina became a great-grandmother to Paul and Svetlana’s children, Zoe and Nathan. Then in 2020, Irina welcomed her second grand-daughter in-law to the family as her grandson, Garrick, married Liza Abrams. Three years later, Irina became a great-grandmother for the third time to her great-granddaughter, Ophira.

After working as a pediatrician for 19 years in private practice, she retired in 2021 at age 87, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Irina worked for nearly 65 years as a pediatrician and physician to patients around the world.

She loved spending time with her family outside by the pool, inside watching documentaries, or sharing stories from the most recent book she was reading. Her superpowers included her medical wisdom, unparalleled interest in current events, and ability to make anyone feel like the most important and special person in the room. Irina loved entertaining and she would always be dressed up, regardless of the occasion. She was sharp, stylish, and took the time to consistently call family, friends, and patients, making them a priority. As a latke lover, you could make her day if you brought over some form of fried potatoes.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Garrick. She is survived by her daughter, Marina & Marina’s husband Ted, grandchildren Paul & Svetlana, Garrick & Liza; great-grandchildren, Zoe, Nathan, and Ophira, and a plethora of dear friends and others whose lives she graced.

Please note the Funeral Establishment does not accept Floral Arrangements. Please consider planting trees instead.