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Frieda Nastu
Feb 23, 1925~Dec 15, 2020
Frieda Nastu of Fairfield passed away on December 15, 2020, following a short illness. She was born in Bridgeport on February 23, 1925, to immigrant parents John and Mary Memu Nastu. With her two sisters, Stella and Catherine (Kay), and her brothers Aurely (Ray), Spiro (Peter), and Thomas, she experienced and lived a remarkable life at a unique time and place.
Growing up in the immigrant center that was Bridgeport — her American identity was forged with that of her friends of so many varied cultures by shared national sacrifice and triumph. Like so many of them, she lived through the Great Depression, helped her parents achieve success in their new land, watched loved ones go off to war, and waited for them to come home.
Frieda went to work as a teenager to help her family. She told wonderful stories that offered insights into her family and her values. She lived with her parents until they died, and remitted her entire paychecks to them, except for a few dollars for her personal effects. In her crisp and cultured way of speaking (like a classic movie star of the ’40s), she’d say simply, “I never thought a thing about it.” Frieda eventually retired from a long career at Harvey Hubbell in Bridgeport.
Frieda radiated beauty her entire life. She could rock a bathing suit well into her 70s. She and a wonderful group of friends were very active together. They loved Seaside Park and would take trips together – always impeccably dressed, to engage in the kind of wholesome adventures and innocent fun that seems to have passed into national memory.
Frieda never married, but she lived happily with sister Kay as the two served as doting aunts to numerous nieces and nephews. They all adored “Teta Frieda” and still adore “Teta Kay.” The words “uncommon grace” and “class” and “elegance” and “wise” are among the words used to describe Frieda. She attended every birthday, graduation, family gathering, and always opened her door, ears, and heart to those who needed her love or excellent advice. She never failed to send cards on holidays or birthdays, personalized with distinguished handwriting that still inspires. Frieda never sought the spotlight, but when during a discussion she chose to begin with “Well, I think…” the entire room would get quiet. Everyone wanted to know what Frieda Nastu thought.
Frieda followed simple rules. She went to bed early, did not smoke or drink, curse, express anger or cruelty. When she observed conduct or things of which she disapproved, she typically would say simply, “well, that’s not my cup of tea.” She did not preach, but she served as a shining example of morality. When her family sometimes called her “Saint Frieda,” they were not joking. Frieda was organized, to say the least. Her freezer contained perfectly packaged food that she would cook in advance, neatly labeled with the contents and the date they were placed there. After she would mow her lawn, she would clean the lawnmower and any other tools until they gleamed. She would not leave the house without her lipstick on, her hair done right and dressed with style and elegance.
Frieda had a gorgeous singing voice. She sang every chance she could, and everyone was happy to listen. She and her sisters are remembered for their harmonies, which rivaled the McGuire Sisters and the Andrews Sisters. Everyone called Frieda, Kay, and Stella “the girls” for their entire lives, and that made them happy. Frieda was a lifelong member of St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church, where her lovely soprano voice added much to the choir. She loved classic Hollywood movies.
Frieda’s life was not without sorrow. She endured the passing of her parents and all her beloved brothers and sister, Stella. Also preceding her in death were her sisters-in-law Sofia Cipu Nastu, Rose Nastu and her children, Raymond and Patricia Nicholas, and her brother-in-law Albert Chapar, Sr., with whom she shared immense love and respect. Still, she exhibited great character always, rarely complained about anything, and was always a tower of strength to the rest of the family. She was famed for her Christmas Curabie cookies. She loved to play cards with her sisters and brother-in-law Al, as well as board games with the family after Christmas dinner. She leaves a treasure trove of home movies of her beloved family and her travels.
In addition to beloved sister Kay, Frieda is survived by her niece Marie Nastu Norko and her husband Joe of Stratford, niece Lisa Nastu of Milford, niece Pamela Garrett of Shelton, nephew John Nastu and his wife Deb of Stratford, nephew Phil Nastu and his wife Joyce of Bridgeport, nephew Albert Chapar, Jr and his wife Nadine, of Atlanta, sister-in-law Gloria Nastu of Milford and nieces Joanne Swoyer and her husband Sam, Madeleine Hiscox and her husband Robert, Susan Giasullo, Mary Beth Weiss and her husband Carl, Nancy Woznick and Christine Kane.
And many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom much loved and will forever remember Teta Frieda Nastu.
Funeral Services will take place on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12 noon in the Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main Street, Bridgeport officiated by Fr. George Coca with Interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport. Calling hours will be held Monday morning from 11 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 95, Easton, CT 06612. For online condolences, memorial tributes and donations visit us at commercehillfh.com
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This discussion was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by
elissa mondschein.
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