Svetlana Vanderheyden

Svetlana Vanderheyden, born January 23, 1961, passed away on September 2, 2026.

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Svetlana lived a life shaped by creativity, beauty, and generosity of spirit.

Svetlana lived a life shaped by creativity, beauty, and generosity of spirit. She studied fashion and design in Chișinău, Moldova, earning her bachelor’s degree in Fashion & Design before continuing her education at art school, where she further refined her gifts in painting and drawing. Those talents became the foundation of a career devoted to artistry and craftsmanship. In Moldova, she worked in both design and seamstress roles, bringing together imagination and technical skill in the creation of clothing and apparel. She later continued that work in the Czech Republic, where she was known as both a fashion designer and seamstress.

Art was not simply her profession, but a joyful expression of who she was. Svetlana loved painting, drawing, and designing clothing, and she often created distinctive garments of her own. She took particular delight in making clothes for her children, Ruslana and Sergei, and her work drew admiration wherever it was seen. People frequently asked where her designs could be purchased, and many hoped to own the beautiful pieces she made. Her artistic gifts also extended to painting, and she became well known for custom works that were deeply personal and cherished by those who received them. Her artwork was featured in a local gallery near South Coast Plaza, a reflection of the esteem in which her talent was held. Friends, family, and others often sought her out for personalized paintings, and she gave freely of her creativity, producing one-of-a-kind works filled with meaning.

Just as memorable as her talent was her spirit. Svetlana was a joyful and vibrant presence, known for her warmth, kindness, and boundless energy. She was almost always smiling, and she had a remarkable way of lifting the spirits of everyone around her. She brought laughter and light into every room, making those in her company feel welcomed, happy, and at ease. Her presence left an enduring impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Vanderheyden; her daughter, Ruslana Culicova; and her son, Sergei Culikov. She also carries forward the love and memory of those who preceded her in death: her mother, Nina; her father, Nikolai; and her brother, Igor.

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Art was not simply her profession, but a joyful expression of who she was.

Svetlana will be remembered for the beauty she created with her hands, the joy she shared so naturally, and the love she poured into her family, her art, and her work. Her memory will remain a source of warmth and inspiration to all whose lives were brightened by knowing her.

A service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 2:30 PM at The Omega Society in Orange, California.