Ilie Baderca

Ilie Baderca, age 75, resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He was born on September 17, 1948 in Mehadica, Romania. Ilie was born in a small village in Romania to Iosef and Maria Baderca. He is the youngest of 3 siblings with sisters Maria and Veta. One could say he beat many odds against him from a young age as he was born in a field. He completed technical trade schooling and went on to the Romanian army for his mandated duty. He then began working as a train engineer for the railroad. Ilie married the woman he adored and pursued endlessly, winning her over above all other men. Their love was initially forbidden, they would sneak to see each other at movies and dance competitions and eventually run away together before earning the approval of their parents to get married. They shared a life for more than 50 years with joys and troubles that one could find in most significant love stories. They moved away from the village to the city and share two children Gav Baderca (Raluca Baderca) and Ionela Lindsay (Stacey Lindsay) and granddaughter (Staci Simon-Lindsay). Most would say luck was on his side when he escaped from Romania at age 38, a second attempt to get away from the Communist regime at the time, in order to experience more freedom and opportunity. Ilie stayed in a refugee camp for approximately 6 months before coming to America with the support of a childhood friend (Andrei Valeanu) who sponsored him and paved the way for his new life in America. His family was able to join him 3 years later and he met them proudly with a humble new home and goals to plant new roots in a new country. Ilie worked as a machinist, rarely missing work, and constantly drilling everyone he came in contact with about their work. He was a hard worker, maybe to a fault. Most know Ilie as a loyal and reliable friend and you could always count on him to help out in any way he could. He lived his life to the fullest, drinks were always overflowing and food was his love language. There were many memorable parties, holidays, or a simple Sunday barbecues with a game of backgammon. His home brought people together. He wasn't very expressive with emotion, but all who know him will tell you he truly had a sensitive nature; you could catch him shed a tear when an old school traditional Romanian folk song (Doina) would play after a few drinks. He will be remembered as a fun guy, proud and stubborn. Like most of us, he made many mistakes, but his heart was pure! We will remember you! Family and friends will be gathering for a visitation on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica from 2-8pm with a Saracusta Priveghi between 4:30 pm.- 4:45 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Descent of The Holy Ghost Romanian Orthodox Church 31500 Ryan Road (Btwn 13-14 Mile) Warren. Following funeral services Ilie will be laid to rest at Utica Cemetery, Utica, Michigan. Following the cemetery service, the family and friends will gather for a Pomana at the residence.

Ilie Baderca

September 17, 1948 - March 19, 2024