Dr. Olimpiodora Cerghedean (née Cara) was born in Chișinău, present-day Moldova, on January 1, 1937. In the wake of World War II, she and her family relocated to Romania, where she pursued her passion for medicine and became a practicing physician.
In 1981, she and her husband, Constantin Cerghedean, moved their family to Cleveland, Ohio. Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to healing, she became a registered nurse and practiced with care until her retirement.
Olimpiodora was a woman of many talents and interests. She found great joy in traveling the world, painting, and crafting handmade cards. She was also an avid admirer of international films and opera, always eager to explore different cultures.
Most importantly, she was an extraordinary wife, mother, and grandmother. Friends and family cherished her wit, sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, fabulous style, creative spirit, and joie de vivre. She was an unforgettable person whose presence will always be felt by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her children, Calin and Gabriela Cerghedean; her grandson, Alexander; her sons-in-law, Brian and Angel; and a wide circle of friends who will miss her dearly.
Dr. Cerghedean passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Helena Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church, 1367 W. 65th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102.
