Elena Nicoara

Elena Nicoara, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went home to be with her Lord Jesus on the morning of June 24, 2015, at age 74.

She was born Elena Cristescu on Jan. 14, 1941, in Ploiesti, Romania. In 1957, at age 16, Elena married Emmanuel Nicoara, with whom she shared 57 happy years. She passed away quietly and without pain in the home of her oldest son, Laurentiu, after declining health in the last few months of her life.

Elena was a lady of faith and fortitude. Her life was one of constant sacrifice for her family and her Christian brethren. Her parents, Radu and Adelaida, preceded her in death, and were a shining Christian testimony in a land with great spiritual darkness. Elena responded to the work of God in her heart at a young age, and put her faith in the finished work of our Lord Jesus. Elena’s faith remained strong even while raising a Christian family in communist Romania.

In 1987, the Nicoaras received permission, against all odds, to immigrate to the United States. Getting permission required persistence and courage. At one point, Elena was briefly arrested and risked imprisonment for seeking a visa for her family to leave Romania. After immigrating, the family settled first in California, then in the greater Seattle area. In 2004, Elena and Emmanuel moved to Walla Walla, where she lived until the end of her journey.

Throughout her life, Elena was a bright example of Christian hospitality. None of her family could visit her house without being fed. None ever knocked. All knew they would be welcomed with the warmest kindness. Elena always loved children, and visits from her grandchildren were greatly appreciated.

Elena is survived by her husband, Emmanuel; her 10 children, Daniela, Laurentiu, Radu, Ortansa, Ovidiu, Veronica, Sebastian, Dragos, Liviu and Adelaida and their spouses; her 28 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. The memory of her sacrifices will be greatly cherished.

Her steadfast faith in her Lord Jesus will always be an example to all who knew her. Even as her memory failed, she still remembered the verses and hymns she had learned as a young girl. She desired each one of her family and brethren would hold the faith steadfastly until the end.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla. Funeral services will be held in the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at 10 a.m., with concluding services and interment to follow at the Mountain View Cemetery of Walla Walla.

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31:28-29).