Maria Chiriac passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic on June 16, 2024, with her daugther Dr. Anca Chiriac by her side, holding her hand. Maria was born in the small village of Padea, Dolj County, Romania in 1953. Beating all odds, and due to her amazing intelligence, resilience, and grit, she was the first in her family to go to university and became an economist.

Maria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Viorel Chiriac, who tragically passed away too soon in June of 1986. She raised her 2 young children, Dr. Anca Chiriac (of Jacksonville, Florida) and Mihai Chiriac (of Sunnyvale, California) alone, with so much strength and a fierce love that was palpable every day. Maria loved reading; was fascinated by historical documentaries, politics, and current affairs; and she loved classical music and solving math problems, puzzles and sudoku. Her kindness, generosity, beauty and intelligence shined through. Always studying more, taking more courses, constantly growing and evolving through her life, she was the best example possible for her daughter.

Being ahead of her time, she studied computer science in the 1980s and 1990s, English, financial audit and many other topics; and, she always had something important to read at her bedside. Maria moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2018 to be with her daughter. She loved both her children and grandchildren fiercely, even though time was too short with them. Maria will be finally reunited with her beloved sister, Victoria (Stela) Bonea and her mother, Floarea Dinca, who she believed were waiting for her. Mom, we will never forget your love. You will be in our hearts always!

A memorial service and visitation will be held at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home on June 19, 2024 between 5 and 7PM, and the funeral will be held on Thursday, June 20 at 11AM.