Corina Astalus Berekdar passed away on March 16, 2026, leaving behind her husband, Maen; her three children, Traian, Daniel, and Isabella; her two grandchildren, Liam and Luke; and her brother, Sorin. She also leaves behind a profound sense of loss among the extended family and friends who knew and loved her and were proud to call her family. Her loss is felt deeply by all who loved her, in part because it feels too soon, and because they witnessed her relentless fight to live and remain with her family.

Born in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Corina moved to the United States in her teenage years. She worked hard to be an example to her children, always encouraging them to educate themselves and to believe they could accomplish anything they set their minds and hearts to. She lived her life according to her beliefs. She was beautiful inside and out, intelligent, and steadfast in the things she believed in, guided by a strong sense of fairness, equity, reciprocity, and doing what was right. She valued dignity, education, culture, loyalty, and justice, and these values shaped how she lived.

She held a deep appreciation for beauty, meaning, and the richness of culture, a love she expressed through travel, visits to museums and historic places, and by sharing those passions with her family. She loved fine arts, history, and learning, and brought that sense of curiosity and depth into the lives of those around her.

To those closest to her, Corina was protective, proud, and resilient. She showed her love through her presence, in both the small moments and the big ones, and brought comfort to her family simply by being there. She fought a hard battle against cancer, a battle that changed the future she had envisioned and the memories she had hoped to make with her family. Even during her illness, she continued to show her strength, resisting the urge to give up and finding ways to let those close to her know they were loved in every way she could.

She was a great cook and loved bringing family together around the table, whether for elaborate meals like Thanksgiving or something as simple as an impromptu cookout, where she showcased her unique gift for turning everyday ingredients into something that felt gourmet. Although she did not win her battle against cancer, her resilience and the lessons of her life will live on in the hearts of her family.

Corina will be remembered with love and gratitude. Her strength, her values, her care, and the comfort of her presence will remain with her family always.

The funeral will be held 10:00 am on Friday, March 20, 2026 at The Life Giving, 132 Califon Road, Long Valley, NJ, 07853. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Union Cemetery, Long Valley, NJ following the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com.