In Memoriam Daniela Banu
Daniela Banu was one of the founding members of the Romanian American League. She worked as the Air Quality Division Director for Broward County Government.
She passed away peacefully from cancer on September 29, 2013 in Orlando, Florida with family at her side.
She is survived by her daughter Andreea Banu Reyes, her three grandchildren, Taylor Ann (10), Maya Daniela (7), Chase Andrew (4), her sister Adriana and her ex-husband John Banu.
She will be greatly missed by many. She fought a long fight and lived a good life.
—————————————————————
In more than a decade as Broward County‘s air quality administrator, Daniela Banu became known as a fierce defender of public safety who encouraged new ideas and those she worked with.
Broward’s air quality director Daniela Banu dies after long battle with cancer.
Courtesy, Family
“She was supportive of staff, helping us grow as people and professionals,” said colleague Maribel Feliciano. “It is not every day you can say you have the best boss. But I did.”
Banu died Sunday at the Orlando home of her daughter after a long battle with cancer. She was 64.
Born in Romania, Banu studied chemical engineering in Bucharest before moving to South Florida with her husband and daughter Andreea in 1985.
She started working for the county 27 years ago. As air quality director, Banu was “tremendously effective managing multiple programs, bringing in grants, and winning the confidence of state and federal officials,” said Jeff Halsey, Broward’s director for pollution prevention.
Diagnoised with breast cancer 10 years ago, Banu was “a woman of enviable personal strength, a wonderful example of how to confront challenges in life,” said Halsey. “She worked with vigor and joy every day.”
While relishing her role as grandmother, Banu also spent time designing custom jewelry, reading, and cultivating orchids.
Survivors include her daughter Andreea (Andi) Reyes, son in-law Eric Reyes, sister Adriana Smeureanu, ex-husband John Banu and three grandchildren.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church, 1850 SW 60 Terrace, Miramar.
mwclary@tribune.com or 954-356-4465
