Nicole Dinu

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nicole Dinu, beloved wife, mother, Nonoo (grandmother), and friend to all who knew her. Nicole passed away on November 29, 2025, at the young age of 62, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Nicole was born on September 13, 1963, in Romania to Gheorghe and Maria Mihai. She had a beautiful childhood, growing up in the Romanian countryside. She often fondly recalled those days, spent playing with neighborhood kids until dark and honing her "street-smarts." At the age of 14, she moved to Bucharest to attend high school and later earned a degree in economics from ASE in Bucharest. It was during this time that she forged many lifelong friendships and met the love of her life, Constantin Dinu. Nicole and Constantin were married in 1986, and together they welcomed two daughters, Alexandra in 1991 and Isabella in 2001.
In 1996, Nicole and Constantin immigrated to the United States. Together they built a life in the South; living in Clemson, Atlanta, Greenville, Texas, and eventually planting their roots in Greenville, South Carolina in 2014. Nicole's dynamic spirit left a lasting impression on every community she touched. She never knew a stranger and easily bonded with others.
She enjoyed getting together with her girlfriends for lunch or coffee, catching up with neighbors, and planning fun events and parties for her friends and family. She is remembered as the ultimate host and lived to bring people together. Whenever an event arose, her response was an enthusiastic "I can do it! I want to have it at my house!" simply because she loved welcoming family and friends into her home. She poured her heart into planning elaborately themed Halloween parties, birthdays, and holiday gatherings. She was also a talented cook and baker; her chocolate cakes and desserts were legendary. Her daughters will continue attempting to recreate her recipes, many of which were never written down, as the process was always "common sense" to Nicole.
Nicole also dedicated her time to many professional pursuits. She worked as an economist in Romania until the birth of her first daughter, choosing then to focus on her family. In later years, she prepared taxes at H&R Block and later excelled in the jewelry departments of J.C. Penney and Kay Jewelers. She was a fantastic salesperson, possessing natural charisma and drive - she truly could sell ice to an Eskimo!
But most of all, Nicole loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. She was a dedicated wife, daughter, and mother, and her role as Nonoo to her three grandsons was one of her greatest joys. She was always there: she never missed a birthday, an awards ceremony, a competition or a game, or even a simple daycare play, with the loudest cheer from the sidelines. She made ordinary moments extraordinary just by being there. She was the type of person that walked into a room and changed the energy in it. Her vibrant personality and infectious enthusiasm drew everyone to her. She loved to dance and was the life of the party. Any get-together without her felt empty. She was everything to her family and friends and her radiant presence will be profoundly missed.
Nicole is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Constantin Dinu; her daughters, Alexandra Troidl and Isabella Dinu; her son-in-law, Michael Troidl; her three cherished grandchildren, Henry, Noah, and Jack Troidl; and her mother, Maria Mihai. She is preceded in death by her father, Gheorghe Mihai, among other close family and friends.
In honoring the life of Nicole Dinu, we invite all who knew and loved her to join us in celebrating her memory.
A visitation will be held at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, in Downtown Greenville on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025. The burial will follow in Graceland East Memorial Park in Simpsonville.
Those who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the "WATCH EVENT" button located in the Services section.
If you feel moved to send flowers or to make a donation, the family would like to encourage you to consider the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation to support research efforts in finding a cure.
Friends and family are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Nicole with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".