Oana Popescu

Oana Popescu, 42, of College Station, Texas, passed away peacefully Monday, June 21, 2010, surrounded by family in her home following a three year race against cancer. Despite the end of her battle, cancer never defeated her. She will always be smiling in our hearts and encouraging us with her outstanding strength and grace. The optimism radiated by Oana throughout her fight is nothing short of inspirational. She faced her situation with a remarkable attitude that exuded hope, despite the plethora of struggles obscuring her path. Although her hardships brought difficult times, they concluded with countless valuable revelations and memories.

Born in Brasov, Romania, July 7, 1967, to Elena and Victor Stanescu, Oana displayed an early love for nature and the outdoors, which later developed into a passion for trees and dendrology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Transylvania University of Brasov in 1991 and her Master’s from Virginia Tech in 2001. After moving with her family to College Station in 2003, she took an assistant lecturer position with the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. Through this position, she was able to impart her love of dendrology onto her students, who voted her the departmental Undergraduate Professor of the Year in 2010.

Oana’s childhood was dedicated to rhythmic gymnastics, in which she became a national champion. She was also an avid traveler, hiker, photographer, and devoted Bon Jovi fan. She pursued her interests with unparalleled passion and lived her life to the fullest.

Oana is survived by her husband of 19 years, Sorin Popescu, her daughter, Alexandra, her beloved Schnauzer-mix dog, Nera, and countless friends, students, and colleagues. She is predeceased by her parents.

A visitation will be held at the Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station on Wednesday from 5 PM to 8 PM, with a service at 6:30 PM. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in College Station on Thursday, June 24, from 10 AM to noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made payable to the Texas A&M Foundation to establish a student scholarship in her name. Please note on the check – Oana Popescu Fund #05-73485. Checks should be mailed to Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840-2811.