Emilia S. Wilson, 86, nurse

Emilia S. Wilson, 86, of Philadelphia, a nurse and the mother of the honorary consul general of Romania in Philadelphia, George P. Sfedu, died Friday, June 12, of complications from Alzheimer's disease at home.

Mrs. Wilson was born in Uidesti, a small village in northern Romania. After World War II, as a child refugee, she made her way to Bucharest and later attended nursing school there.

She dedicated her life to the care of others, tending patients in Romania, Libya, and the United States.

"She received only superlative praises from management and from the thousands of patients she cared for. Her passionate dedication and love for patients was so intense that the patients would wait for her, in wheelchairs, at the elevator door, when her shift started," her family said in a tribute.

She and her first husband, Gheorghe Sfedu, a professor, immigrated to the United States as refugees from communism in June 1978. They settled in Philadelphia. He died in 1994.

She was married a second time to George A. Wilson, who died in 2006.

Mrs. Wilson's strong Christian faith was a pillar of her existence. She also was an unwavering American patriot, "always flying an American flag for the country that sheltered and welcomed her and her family," the tribute said.

In addition to her son, she is survived by another son, Emil P.; three grandchildren; a brother; and two sisters.

Funeral services were Friday, June 19. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery was private.

Donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church, 723 N. Bodine St., Philadelphia 19123, or to Descent of the Holy Spirit Romanian Orthodox Church, 326 Gerard Ave., Elkins Park, Pa. 19027.