Cristina Irimie had a passion for dancing.

Nicolae Clempus recalls the moment he first saw her showcase a traditional dance at a Romanian festival in Lilburn, Georgia.

“It was a delight watching her dance,” he reflected.

These are just some of the memories that the close Romanian Orthodox community in Georgia holds dear as they grapple with the loss of 53-year-old Irimie, who tragically died in the shooting at Apalachee High School. Alongside her, three others also lost their lives: 39-year-old Richard Aspinwall, a fellow math teacher and football defensive coordinator, and two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Fortunately, eight students and another teacher injured in the incident are expected to recover fully.

In the aftermath of Irimie’s death, two local churches have come together to mourn and reflect.

As news of the shooting broke on Wednesday, Clempus received numerous worried calls and questions.

The high school is situated just 10 miles from Saint Mary Romanian Orthodox Church, where Clempus serves as pastor, right in the heart of the Romanian community in the area.

The shooter, identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, surrendered when police arrived at the school. He faces murder charges and will be treated as an adult. On Friday morning, he remained silent during his first court appearance. His father, Colin Gray, aged 54, was also arrested on several charges related to the incident, including involuntary manslaughter and two counts of second-degree murder. He too appeared in court that same morning.

‘Always a smile on her face’

Irimie was a dedicated member of Saints Constantine and Helen Romanian Orthodox Church, which is connected to Saint Mary’s church.

Clempus met Irimie and her husband Dorin when they moved from Romania to Georgia 23 years ago. Irimie quickly became a cherished figure, volunteering her time to teach children traditional dances and tutor them in math. She also joined other women from the church to prepare authentic meals, Clempus remarked. For the biannual Romanian festivals, she contributed by helping the children practice their dance routines.

Silvia Pasch, 66, a fellow church member from nearby Lawrenceville and a software engineer, recalled seeing Irimie assist the kids with math problems while they prepared for their dance practices.

“I told her, ‘Hey, Cristina, I might need some lessons from you,'” Pasch shared.

Regardless of the occasion, Irimie brought joy with her humor and infectious laughter.

“She was always joking with a smile on her face, living life to the fullest, and planning for what was ahead,” said Clempus. “Sadly, that has now come to an abrupt end.”

Churches play a crucial role in the social lives of Georgia’s small Romanian immigrant community, according to Pasch. “You wouldn’t think of being in the middle of nowhere without having a church nearby,” she noted.

Church members rally around Irimie’s family

In July, Irimie’s mother came from Romania for a visit, and the family enjoyed a trip to the Dominican Republic together, Pasch recounted. “She shared the pictures from their time with her mom and husband,” Pasch mentioned. “She was so joyful.”

In the aftermath of the shooting, Dorin Irimie became withdrawn, and communication with him became difficult, stated Clempus. “He is heartbroken.”

Dorin Irimie requested that the church delay announcements of her passing until he could inform her family, who were asleep in Romania, Clempus explained. He also received condolences from the Romanian ambassador in Washington, D.C., recognizing Irimie as a Romanian citizen.

“It will be a long journey for him to heal, but we are here for him. He has many friends and community members ready to support him during this tough time,” he affirmed.

According to Pasch, the Romanian Orthodox funeral customs involve multiple ceremonies accompanied by special prayers. Members of the church will prepare koliva, a traditional cake made from wheat and nuts served at funerals.

As the fall Romanian festival approaches in mid-October, Irimie’s absence will be deeply felt. “It’s hard not to think of her during this time,” Pasch said.

Clempus noted that both churches are now coping with the shock of the tragic shooting so close to their community, along with the sadness of losing Irimie.

“We stand united in our sorrow,” he remarked. “We can navigate through this painful time by honoring Christina and supporting her family, while also allowing ourselves to heal as time goes on.”

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for YSL News. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.