Niculina Apostolescu's Obituary

Today, we are honoring the life of our beloved Niculina Apostolescu, born in the Ilie family in Tirgosul Vechi, Romania, on March 17, 1932.  She was one of 6 children raised under a tumultuous time in our global history, World War II. Although not formally educated beyond eighth grade, Niculina (Bibica) had an innate sense of intelligence that stretched far beyond that of textbooks and school; she understood how to survive and prosper.

The light of our lives was extinguished on June 9, 2022. Her happy smile, love, devotion to family, boundless generosity and love are gone forever. Our hearts are inconsolable.

Niculina Apostolescu is survived by her only child, Ileana Johnson, her granddaughters, April J. Jones and Mimi Eileen Johnson, her son-in-law David Paugh, her great-grandchildren, Holt Jones and Hardy Jones, her youngest sister Elena Gheorge, several nephews and nieces, Dragu Ilie, Carmen Ilie, Monica Adam, Rodica Zamfir, Stefan Zamfir, Adi Carpen, Cornelia Ilie, Mircea Apostolescu, Vasile Apostolescu, Lioara Apostolescu, Ionel Apostolescu, and Gigi Apostolescu.

A natural homemaker, Niculina loved to cook, took care of others selflessly, and was one of the best bakers in the family. Her bread and “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage) were legendary.

At the age of 48 she escaped communist Romania and defected to the United States where she became a permanent resident. She helped raise her granddaughters in the U.S. and lived a much better life than she would have lived under the oppressive communism.

When she defected in 1980, the communist government confiscated all her property left behind, personal belongings, her savings, the apartment she co-owned with her husband Florin Apostolescu, and her pension. She owned nothing anymore and was never happy about that. But she lived a happy life in my home until she was struck with dementia and needed nursing care around the clock.

Niculina’s crocheted doilies in the shape of grapes were famous. People loved her stitchery and her macrame artwork painstakingly done with a thin crocheting needle. A few people in Mississippi display her work in their homes to this day.

Her green thumb was revered by everyone; how she could bring plants back from the brink of death and give them new purpose and life. She was a calming presence in the lives of so many, never having met a baby or an animal that she did not love, and always wanted to entertain and host people in our home.

Although raised in a very stoic generation, she had such an ingratiating sense of humor that would make a sailor blush. It was dry and subtle, but impactful. This brought joy to so many.

Although native English speakers could not readily communicate through language with Niculina, she communicated through the love and kindness she showed others. She never learned English but she taught her granddaughters to speak Romanian fluently.

Some people think that she was so fortunate to have lived such a long and full life, this is true, but to those who knew and loved her, it will never be enough. Love cannot be quantified in years, but in experiences and memories. Even in death, her spirit and legacy are not extinguished, but remembered so fondly in the lives of those she touched in so many positive ways.

Her earthly body may have reached its final sunset, but her endearing soul remains ever present in her family, and in nature; the flora and fauna she loved so dearly.

Niculina was extraordinarily strong in her Orthodox faith and strived to live her life by those principles daily, reading scriptures each night before going to bed. She never feared death or talking about what comes after our physical body has ceased functioning.

For many of her family, she was the glue that kept them together, helped pick up broken pieces, help mend back together broken relationships, and comforting broken hearts.

Niculina, our beloved Maia (grandmother) and Mom, we are eternally grateful for having been a part of your family and life, and thank you for loving us unconditionally, even when sometimes we took it for granted. May God grant you Eternal peace and Rest!

“Her children rise up and called her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29