Gloria Barbulescu

Gloria Barbulescu passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2023, one day after her 75th birthday.  She is survived by her two children, Sandra and Alex, and her sister, Florina.  Born in Arges, Romania, she was the daughter of Romanian historical writer and journalist Ion Munteanu and the most loving and talented mother, Dorina.  In 1981, to escape the grip of communism, Gloria made the difficult decision to leave her young family behind and flee to the United States.

She started her American journey in Cleveland, Ohio, working numerous jobs.  One year later, she moved to Dallas, Texas, where she worked at a private school and for Aetna insurance company.

Five years later, after many challenges, her husband Alexandru and her children were able to join her in Dallas, to start a new life together.  Gloria eventually decided to make a bold career change, went back to school, became a nurse technician, and joined the HealthSouth family – which later became Encompass Health.  She was kindhearted, enthusiastic and a relentless worker.  She always put others first.  She got her energy from always helping family, patients, and colleagues.  During the 29 years she worked there, to all her friends and colleagues, she simply became known as “Mama Gloria.”

While she loved her patients and her job, she also had an endless passion for her pets, which throughout the years became part of her family. From cats to dogs to birds, they all found a place in Gloria’s home and heart.  She also enjoyed cooking and gardening.

Gloria’s family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to all her friends, neighbors, and employees of Encompass Health.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm, Friday, June 23, 2023, at Allen Family Funeral Options, followed by a reception.