The Constanţa National Opera House has announced the death of ensemble member Smaranda Draghici-Paslaru at the age of 35.

The soprano died of breast cancer after three years with the illness.

Born on August 4, 1986, Drăghici-Pâslaru went on to become an ensemble member of Oleg Danovski Opera and Ballet Theater in Constanţa.

She graduated from the Regina Maria National College of Arts in Constanţa in Music and specialized in singing and piano. She was supported by her family who believed in her dream and went on to perform numerous roles in Constanţa including her celebrated Gilda in “Rigoletto.”

In the announcement of her death, the Constanţa National Opera House said, “Smaranda was the friend that anyone would want. She was the daughter and sister who loved and respected her family. She was the artist that any theater in the world would need.”