Lidia Candea

With deep sorrow but also with the hope of heaven, we have gathered to commemorate the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Lidia Cândea. A woman of unwavering

faith, boundless love, and selfless service, she left behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Lidia was born in Rudna, Timiș County, as the third child of Ana and Ioan Ișfan. She grew up in a home filled with love alongside her eight siblings: Samuel, Lenuța, Ana, Ioan, Pavel, Cathy, Cornel, and Iosif. Though life brought its trials, including the loss of her dear siblings Samuel, Lenuța, and Ana, Lidia remained steadfast in her faith, always trusting in God’s plan.

In 1949, her family moved to Lenauheim, and at the young age of 16, she married the love of her life, Avram Cândea, on March 22, 1954. Their love story was one of devotion, sacrifice, and faith—a marriage built on the foundation of Christ and lasting an incredible 62 years. She was her husband's cherished “doll,” standing by his side through every season of life.

In 1960, Lidia and Avram moved to Arad, where they became members of Gloria Church. In 1978, they took a leap of faith and moved to Chicago, joining the First Romanian Pentecostal Church. In 1981, they became part of the Philadelphia Church on Clark Street, where Lidia’s heart for service shone brightly. She sang in the choir, served in the kitchen, supported the ladies' fellowship, and assisted her husband in his janitorial work. She was deeply loved and respected by all who knew her.

Later, after her husband's retirement, they became members of Bethany Romanian Church in Niles. Their passion for missions led them to be among the 40 volunteers who helped establish the Romanian Mission in 1984. They didn’t just give financially; they labored in love, sending over 160 containers of aid to Romania. Their hearts beat for God’s work, and Lidia never stopped serving.

After losing her beloved husband, Lidia’s strength was tested, but her faith never wavered. Even as illness made it difficult for her to attend church in person, she faithfully watched services online, finding joy in worship and the Word.

Her grandchildren lovingly called her “Buni,” and so did everyone else. Whether family, friends, or even colleagues, the name "Buni" became synonymous with warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. She loved her garden, receiving an award from the City of Skokie for having the most beautiful garden in the city. She was an avid reader, and no one knows how many times she read the Bible from cover to cover. She began every morning with devotions, carrying her Bible to church and taking notes. She would remind us all, “Why are you going to war without your weapon?” when we forgot to bring our Bibles. She prayed relentlessly for the salvation of her family, and her faith has now become our inheritance.

Even in her last days, Lidia never stopped praying. She loved her family deeply and was there for each of us in every moment of need. She was a pillar of strength, a gentle encourager, and a beacon of faith. She passed away peacefully, in her sleep, from the arms of her first granddaughter Pamela, into the arms of the Lord—on March 29, 2025, which is also the birthday of her first grandson, Alan.

We grieve, but not without hope. We will miss her voice, her prayers, her meals, and her unwavering love. After two years of suffering, supported by family, friends and dedicated caregivers, we now rejoice knowing she is with her Savior, free from pain and sorrow, and reunited with her beloved Avram. She leaves behind three children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as countless loving friends and relatives, who will continue to cherish her memory:

o son Moise Cândea, with wife Maria and their children:

o Alan & Colette Cândea, with their daughter Vivian

o Armand Cândea

o daughter Octavia, with husband Nick Chevereșan, and their children:

o Edward & Jennifer Chevereșan, with their daughter Skyelah

o Pamela Chevereșan, with her daughter Kayla Beasanski

o son Dorin Cândea, with wife Agnes, and their children:

o Gabriel & Lauren Cândea, with children Claire, Grace, and Ryan

o Jessica & Dan Villano, with their children Gavin and Eliana

o Sebastian Cândea

Flowers can be purchased from Athena Flowers, and will be delivered directly to the church. www.athenaflowers.com 773-282-3490

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lidia Candea, please visit our floral store.