Lora D. Sandu's Obituary
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
On the evening of Saturday, June 18, 2016, at St. Claire Hospital in Lakewood, the Lord decided that Lora’s walk with Him on this side of heaven was completed. She had fought the good fight and had finished the race. At the age of 74, Lora went to be with the One that she loved and served her entire life.
Lora was born on May 15, 1942, in Limbenii Vechi, Moldova, as the oldest of the 6 children of Dumitru and Lidia Popanu. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister Maria. Lora is survived by Pavel, her husband of 55 years, and also 10 children, 30 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.
Lora was a wonderful mother for her daughters: Rita Deresh, Inna Malanchuk, Dina Chiaburu, Lira Cernacovschi, Saida Dumitru, and Kameliya Sabadash, and for her sons: Albert, Ivan, Pavel, and Leonid.
On October 16, 2000, Lora and Pavel celebrated their 40th anniversary by arriving in the United States; a new beginning at an age when many people retire. Lora learned English, studied the United States civics and history, and 5 years later she became an American citizen! She wanted her family close to her, and she had 8 out of the 10 children living nearby. The other two are involved in the ministry abroad, which brought her much joy.
Lora loved her family with passion. She knew how to be the perfect support for her husband in his ministry and she also encouraged her children and grandchildren to serve the Lord.
She also loved flowers; all flowers. Colorful flowers were blooming everywhere in her house and in her yard, all year long. She nourished plants, and she nourished souls: family, friends, neighbors, everybody.
She loved her Lord and she loved the church. As a member of Golgotha Baptist Church since its beginning, Lora was a Godly woman and an example for all in faith, patience, love, and grace. When two arsons destroyed the church building, Lora found out she had cancer. She prayed to see the new building and the Lord answered her prayer. She enjoyed the dedication service for the new building, and she also rejoiced seeing two of her grandchildren testifying their faith in the Lord through baptism.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”
Until we meet again, Mama! You will forever live in our hearts!
Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, June 24, 2016 at Mountain View Funeral Home. Funeral services for Lora will be at 12:00 PM in the Valley Chapel on Sunday, June 26th with Interment to follow at Mountain View Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
Please share your memories of Lora and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
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