Ruxandra Elena Hangan

Ruxandra Elena Hangan, nee Badescu, passed away on July 18, 2024, surrounded by family in Hiawassee, Georgia, where she spent the final years of her life. Born on January 10, 1934, to engineer Luca, and his wife, Elena Badescu in Bucharest, Romania, Ruxandra – affectionately known as Anda – led a life marked by intelligence, grace, and family devotion. 

Growing up amidst political turmoil that compromised a carefree childhood, Anda and her younger sister, Mariuca, grew up in Bucharest. Anda emerged as a devoted scholar, graduating at the top of her class from medical school—a testament to her love of learning and resilience. She married her close friend and fellow physician, Alexandru Serbanescu, and their early adult lives were spent in Bucharest, she practicing as a general practitioner and he as a neurologist. Above all, Andra was a devoted mother, raising her only child, son Andrei Serbanescu, under an attentive and meticulous eye to his education and growth, all while seamlessly juggling a busy clinical practice. 

Later in life, Anda found happiness and enduring companionship through her remarriage to her former high school sweetheart, Theodore Hangan ("Bobby"). For over thirty years, they made their home in Mulhouse, France, where Anda became a cherished member of the community, known for her propriety, poise, and love of the fine arts. As a consummate teacher and scholar, she used her mastery of languages to serve as a translator for the city hall, satisfying her inquisitive mind with seminars in art, music, and history both regionally and abroad. Following Bobby’s death in 2023, Anda moved to the United States with her son, continuing to impress those around her with her quiet strength in her new community in Hiawassee. 

In addition to her love of learning, Anda had a special gift for recognizing and nurturing the talents of her loved ones. She supported her son’s aspirations in medicine, even when they took him to a different continent, and later showed the same dedication to her granddaughter. Their excursions in France together were filled with painting lessons and daily strolls through new cities, imparting a lasting love of art and travel. However, despite her fondness for new experiences, Anda found her greatest contentment in the routine moments of daily life—walking arm-in-arm with Bobby on familiar Mulhouse streets, engaging warmly with neighbors and friends in sidewalk cafes, and sharing stories and advice during weekly phone calls with her son. A throaty laugh would escape when she was particularly joyful, and in these moments she truly shined. 

Her appreciation for both the new and the familiar, combined with her constant poise, will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her throughout her long and fulfilling life. Anda is survived by her son, Andrei; her granddaughter, Mara Serbanescu, her nephew, Pierre Nicola Macarovitsch and their families. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Clementina Areasan, Dr. Samuel Lee Church, and countless friends in the Hiawassee community for their care, warmth, and support during Anda’s final years.

A memorial service will be held on 7/20/24 at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her remarkable life.

Visitation: Saturday, July 20, 2024 5:00-6:00P at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home 

Funeral: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 6:00P at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home