Helen Dendiu

Helen Emily (Muntean) Dendiu, “Buni,” age 99, was taken home to heaven on February 12, 2023. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio on August 23, 1923 to John and Maria Muntean, the fourth of their five children. She married John Charles Dendiu Sr., “Mosiu,” on September 11, 1949, and they were married for 55 years before his passing in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters Vicki (Peter) Barbulescu and Mary Muntean, and brothers Sam (Carol) Muntean and John (Carol) Muntean. Surviving are her children John Dendiu (Diane), and Paula Dendiu Beale (Dan), 5 grandchildren – Paul Dendiu, Jen Jordan (Matt), Rachel Dendiu, Joel Dendiu (Jamie), and Sarah Mangia (Mark), 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Helen spent most of her life in Youngstown, moving to Hilliard with her husband in 1996 to be closer to their daughter Paula. She had a smile that could light up a room, and she blessed us all with her love.  She was devoted to her family, as well as being very involved with her friends and church, St. Mary Romanian Byzantine Church in Youngstown, and St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbus. A talented baker and homemaker, Buni was always sure to share her Romanian culture through songs, meals, and desserts with family and friends. She was very active her entire life, enjoyed playing golf and tennis with her family, and was still bowling into her nineties. Her wry sense of humor never left her, even toward the end of her life. 

Helen’s family will receive friends on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 2 to 5 pm at Tidd Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 20 E Dominion Blvd, Columbus, OH 43214 on Monday, February 20,2023 at 10:30 am.

Donations in memory of Helen may be sent to The Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (The Paulist Fathers), at https://paulist.org/give/.