Maria Popescu

October 18, 1928 - January 8, 2016

Maria Popescu, 87, passed away peacefully at Spring Arbor of Apex January 8, 2016. She was born October 18, 1928 in Romania. Maria was a woman of many virtues who was greatly loved by her family and made a positive impact on all those she met. Her joyful and enthusiastic spirit for anything that interested her was her mark of quality, and her warm and inviting nature endeared her as she embarked upon each new adventure. While in Romania, she studied forestry where she combined her love for nature, for flora of all sorts, and even to a degree her indulgence of heights climbing trees well into her advanced years. After coming to the United States, as her manner was, she whole-heartedly immersed herself into visiting and learning as much about the diverse culture of the U.S. as she could. She worked at learning English even in her 70s, and climbed Chimney Rock to its peak in her 80s much to the admiration of onlookers. More than anything, Maria was a kind and loving soul, doting on her family here in the U.S where she lived with them for the last 18 years of her life. She took great pride in dressing fashionably for any occasion to feel good about herself and to show grace and respect for those around her. She made friends quickly and easily even when the language presented a hurdle, through her expressions of love and care for others. Maria will be deeply missed by those who survive including; daughter Dr. Elvira Chiritescu and her husband Dr. Mihai Chiritescu of Cary; sister Geta Popa of Romania, and cousin Ionel Amariutei of New Jersey. Maria was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Stefan Popescu. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 10th from 2-3PM for a reception at The Matthews House, 317 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 with a prayer service following. After the prayer service, a committal service will be held at the mausoleum at Wake Memorial Park, 7002 Green Hope School Rd, Cary, NC, 27519.