Lydia Stefanescu

Dr. Lydia Stefanescu TUSCALOOSA | Dr. Lydia Alina Stefanescu, age 66, was born in Romania, lived and worked in Tuscaloosa, and loved all over the world before she died on June 18, 2015 from natural causes. Lydia escaped communist Romania carrying a daughter in her womb and another in her heart. Those two daughters believe she was the most courageous woman they will ever know. To conquer her fear of flying, Lydia earned her pilot's license. This was not an isolated incident but the way in which she lived her life; facing her fears wholly, courageously and valiantly. She was a scientist with a poet's spirit, fluent in three languages, a physician, a sailor, a downhill ski champion, a loving wife, and a fierce mother and grandmother. Though her travels took her from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica she was a Southerner by choice- and was known to ask friends if her southern accent was improving. An internist for 40 years, Lydia grew a highly respected medical practice. She never refused care to a patient because of lack of funds, and treated all of her patients equally. She was loved by her staff who saw her as a mother and friend as well as an employer. She gained the reputation as an exceptional diagnostician and physician and shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor and counselor at the UA's College of Community Health Sciences. Lydia was known for her intelligence, warmth, feistiness, and personal integrity. She was a patron of local theater, art galleries, and the Tuscaloosa Symphony. She was involved in numerous voluntary helping activities, and especially enjoyed her membership in the Zonta Club. Her patriotism was honored with the national DAR Americanism Medal. She was grateful to live in a country where opportunity is abundant and she could worship freely. As an Eastern Orthodox Christian, her faith was central to her life. She is survived and forever loved by her husband, Dr. Gary Newsom (a.k.a. Ratpaw); her daughters Alina and Carla; her sons-in-law Patrick and Jeremy; and her beloved grandchildren Max, Micah, Milla, and Isla; her sister, Sanda Gancevici; her niece, Alice, and nephew, Filip. Her life has been a celebration of living. Join us in Celebrating the Life of Lydia Stefanescu on Saturday, June 27th at Robertson's Barn on 15337 Smokey Lane, Fosters, Alabama 35463 at 4 o'clock p.m. The arrangements were handled by Magnolia Chapel South. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lydia Stefanescu Foundation established to continue her way of life through helping others. (Contact lydiasfoundation@gmail.com) In the meantime, live each moment with joy, love, and passion- doctor's orders.