Elena Buimovici Klein

In Loving Memory of Elena

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Elena Buimovici Klein (née Maciuca), a remarkable woman whose vibrant spirit touched countless lives. She was 96 years old. Elena would not want us to linger on grief, but to celebrate her extraordinary life as a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and friend.

Elena lived a life defined by love — for her family, friends, neighbors, and all those she encountered. She liked and loved everyone she met, and the feeling was always mutual. Elena's positivity was infectious, always finding the silver lining, as those who knew her often noted. Her generosity of spirit, her intelligence, and her unwavering optimism touched countless lives and left an enduring mark on all who knew her. To her son, she was not only a mother but a best friend whose absence will be deeply felt.

Born in Romania, Elena grew up during wartime, excelling in writing and literature. Encouraged to pursue a "practical" career, she became the first woman to graduate top of her class in medical school. Despite personal tragedy—losing her first husband while pregnant—she persevered. Under Romania's communist regime, at the country's leading institute, she led groundbreaking work on the polio vaccine. Facing discrimination against her Jewish husband, Richard, in the 1960s, Elena bravely emigrated to America to secure a brighter future for her family.

In the U.S., Elena's professional achievements soared. As a professor at Columbia University, she became a world-renowned expert in Rubella, AIDS, and other fields, mentoring hundreds of doctors and scientists well into her 80s. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped.

Elena lived in many places — Bucharest, New Rochelle, New York City, France, Venice (Florida)— and each became a cherished home filled with friendships and memories. She especially treasured her later years, which she spent between Venice and France, surrounded by beauty, companionship, and the joy of family visits.

Her son Dorian, along with grandchildren Julia, Alexander, and Connor, extend heartfelt thanks to all who loved and supported Elena. Elena's life was a true testament to courage, love, positivity and the pursuit of knowledge. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy lives on in the many lives she enriched.

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