Nina S. Pascal Ph.D.

Nina S. Pascal, age 95, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Born on October 6, 1928, in Chișinău, Romania, to Ioan and Maria (Calamandi) Stirbu, Nina’s life was marked by resilience, intellect, faith, and a deep commitment to education and family.

Nina earned her BA and MA at the University of Economic Studies and Planning in Bucharest, Romania. She furthered her academic journey in the United States, earning a Master's Degree in Philosophy of Economics and, in 1977, earned her Ph.D. in Economics from The Graduate School of the City University of New York.

Her teaching career began in 1974 at The City College of New York, after which she held various academic positions at universities in New York City. In 1981, she relocated to Gahanna, Ohio, first joining Wright State University and subsequently becoming a Professor of Economics at Ohio State University, a position she held from 1983 to 1990. She concluded her distinguished career as a Fulbright Visiting Professor of Economics at the Polytechnic University in Bucharest, in a program sponsored by Yale University. As an expert on Eastern European and Soviet relations, Nina was a sought-after voice during the post-Cold War era, presenting her insights at numerous conferences in the United States and Europe.

Nina’s early years were shaped by the tumult of World War II, which uprooted her family and led them to Bucharest, Romania. At the age of 21, she married John (Gary) Pascal on July 23, 1950. Together, they raised two sons, Chris, born in 1956, and George, born in 1961. Her love and dedication to her family were unwavering constants in her life, and in 1969, they emigrated to the United States, creating a new life in their adopted country.

Nina is survived by her beloved sons, Chris (Annette) and George (Carolin), and her five cherished grandchildren: Natasha, Jean-Luc, Samantha, Sean, and Ryan. Her family was the center of her world, and she found immense joy in being a part of their lives.

A selfless and generous soul, Nina was deeply involved in her communities, whether through student organizations, her faith, or her role as an educator. Her spiritual beliefs and a strong sense of purpose guided her throughout life, and she touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, and dedication.

In addition to her parents, Nina was preceded in death by her brother, Spiridon (Bebe). Even as she faced the challenges of her later years, including a disease that gradually took so much from her, her family remained at the heart of her life.

Nina will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to teaching, her remarkable intellect, and her deep devotion to her family, faith, and community.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 pm at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 East Johnstown Rd. Gahanna, Ohio 43230 followed by a service at 1:00pm. Services will conclude at Mifflin Cemetery, 155 Olde Ridenour Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230.