Elena Dobrescu of Highland Park, Illinois, known to most as “Maia,” passed away peacefully on February 27, 2021 at the age of 84, survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Manuela G. Chirica and Ken Cătălin Chirica, her grandchildren, Vlad V. Chirica and Marianne G. Chirica, and her brother, Stere Ștefan. Always smiling and caring, Maia was a devoted friend and mentor to many. She was forever in pursuit of knowledge, attending the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (then called, Institutul de Construcții din București) where she earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Her love of learning and reading continued into her retirement, studying English and adapting to American culture, reading books in English, and embracing local pop culture. Maia persistently challenged herself to master new skills from yoga to sudoku puzzles. More importantly, she was determined to help her loved ones in times of need and pushed her friends and family to learn, grow, and develop for the better. Maia was a role model, actively demonstrating patience, civility, and elegance. She will always be remembered fondly as beloved wife to Constantin Dobrescu (d. April 18, 2004), loving mother, and caring grandmother. Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Saint Mary Romanian Orthodox Church of Chicago, located at 4225 North Central Avenue in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, with the Service taking place at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Romanian Orthodox Church of Chicago, located at 4225 North Central Avenue in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois. Funeral Procession to Rosehill Cemetery will follow the Funeral Service. The Procession will begin at Saint Mary Romanian Orthodox Church of Chicago and end at Rosehill Cemetery, located at 5800 North Ravenswood Avenue in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memoriam of Elena Dobrescu to Saint Mary Romanian Orthodox Church of Chicago at https://form.jotform.com/200896629330358.