Julia Bidden

Julia M. Bidden, age 95 of Wayne for the past 44 years, died peacefully on Thursday, November 10, 2022, after enjoying an interesting, long and healthy life. She had worked for many years in the Law Library of NYU and Columbia Universities in New York City where she was in charge of procuring legal literature from around the world.

Julia’s life began in the city of Ploiesti, Romania, where her family enjoyed a degree of notoriety under the last name Socolescu. Her father was an accomplished agricultural engineer, and her uncle is still renowned for much of the architectural beauty in the city of Ploiesti. Her teenage years were defined, in large part, by the events of World War II, beginning with German occupation, then allied air raids and bombings, followed by Soviet Communist rule. She made clear her disdain for the communism that ensued in the years after the war, and the darkness and desperation that came into all their lives. Her family, due to their notoriety, was terrorized by the Communists, and she wanted desperately to leave Romania. In 1972, she and her husband John, were able to attend the Olympics in Munich, Germany. While driving back to Romania, they were involved in a terrible car accident and, over the next three years, her husband needed specialized healthcare. They were allowed to go back to Munich, Germany for his treatment and while there, Julia procured visas to the USA for both of them. This was a huge gamble for two people in their 50’s, but they took a leap of faith and came to the United States in 1977, changing their name to Bidden and never looking back.

Once in America, they settled in New Jersey. Julia was hardworking and driven to succeed at everything she set her mind to. She was well educated and spoke five languages. From 1980 to 1983, Julia worked for Columbia University and seized this opportunity to expand her education. She elected to take night classes at the university while working there and managed to earn a Master's degree in Library Science. In 1984, Julia’s impressive education led to a job with NYU in the position of Acquisition Librarian. She worked her way up to oversee procuring legal materials for the Law Library, enjoying a lengthy and fulfilling career there until her eventual retirement from NYU in 2000.

Julia loved to travel and explore the world. From 1974-2010, her sense of adventure took her all over the globe from the far west to the far east and even to the north and south poles. She was truly an extraordinary woman with unique perspectives accumulated from her years of exploration. After seeing the world in all its beauty, Julia always came back to her love for America and the freedom that it provided. She would often find herself reflecting on how lucky she was to be in such a special place in this world never taking the freedom and democracy enjoyed here for granted.

Julia liked to keep active and fit. She took up playing tennis while here in America and played in a league until she aged-out! She credits tennis with keeping her toned and in such good physical shape. Around her home you will still find exercise equipment, including small dumbbells that she used daily, up until just a few days ago. Even at 95 years old, she was determined to exercise and stay healthy for as long as she could, and it worked. She would often speak matter-of-factly about how grateful and fulfilled she was in her life, and that when God called her, she was ready.

Julia is predeceased by her husband John Bidden who passed away in 2012. She is survived by her niece Laura Socolescu-Brajon of France, her “niece” Oana Trister and her husband Robert Moore of Chatham, NJ. She will be dearly missed by her many friends from her travels all over the world.

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Julia had a special place in her heart for all the animals of this world. She cared for them and loved them deeply. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you recognize Julia’s devotion to animals through a donation to the Humane Society.