Viorica Floruta's Obituary
Viorica Floruta, nee Jurca, was born April 3, 1924. The Lord called her home October 29th, 2020.
Viorica was the youngest of four children. Her siblings included: John (deceased), Daniel (deceased) and Irene. Her parents (deceased), Petru (Peter) and Rebecca (nee Gavris) Jurca were teenagers when they emigrated to the United States from Romania just prior to the first World War.
Akron, Ohio became their new home. They were married there and started a family. Viorica’s brothers, John and Daniel, were both born in Akron.
After living in Ohio for many years, Viorica’s parents returned to their village in Romania, Taut-‐Bihor, with their young family. Viorica and her sister, Irene, were born in Taut.
Viorica’s father passed away when she was just a child. It wasn’t easy growing up without a father, but despite this tragedy, Viorica’s childhood in Taut was a happy one – filled with the unconditional love, caring and support of her mother and her brothers and sister.
Viorica’s mother taught her the importance of love and family. She also taught her the importance of faith – to always believe in and love Jesus. Even though she was only a little girl, Viorica opened her heart and invited Jesus into her life to strengthen and comfort her, and to guide her through all the good times and the bad that might be ahead. Her trust in the Lord never failed her.
Viorica and her sister, Irene, came of age as Europe was on the brink of the second World War. The two young women decided to leave the safety and familiarity of their village for the opportunities and independence they could only find in the city. They moved to Arad (Romania). They shared an apartment there and lived in the city for many years. War came to Romania. War came to Arad. Viorica would often recount how her faith was tested during the darkest days of the war and the many times she felt the hand of the Lord intervene in their lives to guide and protect them while they were far away from the safety of their home and family in Taut.
Love, family and faith had always been important parts of Viorica’s life since childhood and Viorica worked hard to ensure that love, family and faith would also become important parts of the lives of her own family – her husband Petru (deceased) and her children; Ica, Crina and Petrica .
Faith gave the Floruta family the courage to leave the comfort of their home In Romania in search of a better life in America. They emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1972. Love united Viorica with her brother, Daniel, who had emigrated to Cleveland many years earlier. She was also reunited with her sister, Irene, who she had not seen in more than 25 years – since their time together in Arad during the war. The family was together again. (Their brother, John, and his family lived only a few hours away in Indiana).
Viorica and her family quickly adjusted to their new life in America. It wasn’t always easy, but her sacrifices were rewarded as she watched her children grow into successful adults, guided by their own faith in God.
Viorica supported her husband in his ministry as pastor of The Romanian Baptist Church of Cleveland until he retired in 1985. Viorica remained an active member of the church. She loved to attend the morning worship service, which was always a very special time for her. Viorica enjoyed the fellowship she shared with the other members of the congregation. She loved to listen to the choir as they sang her favorite hymns. She read the Bible and prayed every day, which brought her peace and great comfort.
Viorica loved her family and would never hesitate to sacrifice her own needs for theirs. She made her home a loving and welcoming place filled with food and friendship and she was always generous with both. Viorica loved to garden. It reminded her of Taut and her family, and the home she left behind. She loved to read and was always eager to learn something new. Viorica enjoyed studying maps of the world – which gave her ideas for places to visit because she also loved to travel. Viorica had a joyful heart filled with love that she shared with everyone she met. She loved little children and they loved her. She enjoyed being like a grandmother to all of them. Her infectious laughter made it easy for people to immediately like her.
In March, Viorica fell and fractured both legs. The COVID virus had just begun to spread across America. Viorica spent several months in a rehabilitation facility where she was also quarantined – isolated from her family and friends in order to keep her safe from the spreading virus. No visitors were allowed. Viorica had every right to be angry and bitter, or to fall into a deep depression, but she knew that even though she was by herself, she was never alone. Viorica put her trust in the Lord and her life in His hands, as she had done so many times before. She recovered and returned home in July.
Viorica loved her life and was grateful for every moment she was given. Hardship, war, tragedy and broken bones could not crush her spirit or rob her of who she was – always loving, graceful and kind until the end, when our Heavenly Father called her home. The amazing grace of God blessed Viorica all her life.
She is survived by her children, Ica Jurca (Romi),nee Floruta, Crina Floruta and Petrica Floruta (Crina); Grandchildren Mona Jurca, Valentin Jurca (Heather), Crina Peterson (Eric), nee Floruta and Pete Floruta; Great-‐grandchildren, Daniel, Alex and Reagan Jurca, her sister Irene Papadimoulis, nee Jurca, and many nieces and nephews.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me”: 2 Timothy 4:7-‐8.
Our family will always be grateful for the friendship, help and support of Viorica’s caregivers, Catherine and Amanda. We feel very blessed to have the love and support of our family members, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 4PM – 6PM in the Westwood Abbey Mausoleum Chapel, 6265 Columbia Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070 where funeral service will commence on Monday, November 2, at 10AM. Burial immediately following in Sunset Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions in Viorica’s name are suggested to the Cleveland Romanian Baptist Church, 581 Ridgewood Dr., Seven Hills, OH 44131 or Cypress Hospice, 2 Berea Commons #1, Berea, OH 44017.
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