Obituary of Emilia E. Pistrui
Emilia “Millie” Eleanor Pistrui (Moldovan), 94 of Akron, left this world to join her beloved husband, Sam Pistrui, at home on April 24, 2018 surrounded by family and friends. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mary Popescu; and parents, John and Raphira Moldovan (Oprita). She leaves behind sons, John (Theresa Hill) and Sam (Joni Delnea); grandchildren, Joe Hill, Michael (Paul Patton), Ami D’Eramo (Joey) and Sam; great-grandchildren, Devin Hill and Destiny Green (Wes); great-great granddaughter, Alice Green; and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
Millie was the daughter of Romanian immigrants who came to this country in search of the American Dream. She was born and raised in Newcastle, Pennsylvania where she learned the value of hard work and community. Millie spent her life committed to her family, friends, and the Romanian Orthodox Church. She spent her youth traveling the country with her family, collecting a thimble from each of the places they ventured. She was strong, independent, and quick witted: a true spitfire. Millie never minced words, and few can claim to have ever seen her sitting still for long. There was too much life to be lived, and she lived it to its fullest.
Millie was happiest in her kitchen baking homemade kolach at Christmas and chicken soup all the time. She made snacks for the children at church every Sunday where she was Tuşa Millie. She celebrated the birthdays and accomplishments of countless through hand written cards and gifts. Her definition of family was written large, almost as large as her legacy of love.
Millie believed in compassion and the Passion. She grew roses and crocuses in her garden, remembered her heritage, and put all that she had into building a better world for those who knew her. And she did.
Millie worked at Stambaugh’s then at JC Penney’s starting in Hardware and retired from JC Penney’s working in the Boy’s Department. Being bored she chose to return to work and retired a second time at age 88 from Walmart.
She was a life time member of Presentation of Our Lord Romanian Orthodox Church and also belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary as well as served as an officer in the former Albina Society of New Castle, Pennsylvania. She also enjoyed many summers cooking at Camp Vatra where she formed many lasting bonds and friendships.
To say she will be sorely missed is truly an understatement. She bore her crosses and took on each role life handed her with love…always love.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, 10 a.m. at Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church, 3365 Ridgewood Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 where she will lie in state one hour prior to service. Very Rev. Dr. Ian G. Pac-Urar officiating. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. AT THE CHURCH where a Saracusta service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Donations may be made to the church. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, Akron)
