Nada (Gorgovski) Talev

It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Nada (Gorgovski) Talev, 69, of Syracuse, NY, who passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Raised in Bitola, Macedonia, Nada immigrated to the United States in 1972 alongside her beloved husband, the late Slavko Talev, to begin a new life surrounded by family, hard work, and love. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, tradition, and generosity. Nada was the heart of her family—a calm, compassionate, and nurturing presence. She gave of herself endlessly, always ready with a listening ear, a warm meal, and a steady shoulder. Her selflessness and strength held her family together through every stage of life, whether she was bringing up her children, doting on her grandchildren, caring for her mother-in-law, or comforting her husband of 51 years through his final days. A devoted mother and grandmother, Nada took immense pride in raising her three children and found her greatest joy in her five grandchildren. She was a constant in their lives, attending every game, recital, and school event, offering encouragement and love without limits. She epitomized what it meant to be a wife, mother, and baba; she was not only a caretaker but a safe haven—gentle, generous, and always present. Nada was a gifted cook and baker, known for her delicious food and her insistence that no one ever left her home hungry. She enjoyed planting and working in her many flower and vegetable gardens, and found peace in tending to them at the home she and Slavko built together. Together with her husband and eldest daughter, Nada ran Courthouse News and Deli in Columbus Circle, where she greeted customers with her kind smile and warm spirit. Her kindness and hospitality left a lasting impression on the community, as did her willingness to help anyone in need. In addition to her family life and business, Nada was deeply committed to serving others. She volunteered at Community General Hospital, offering comfort and care to patients and staff alike. She was a devoted member of both St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church and St. George’s Macedonian Orthodox Church, where she found joy in faith, fellowship, and preparing meals alongside cherished friends. To have known Nada was to feel loved, seen, and cared for. Her warmth, patience, and unwavering generosity left an imprint on everyone who crossed her path and she will be missed more than words can express. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. Nada was predeceased by her husband, Slavko “Scott” in 2023; her parents, Dano and Sava; her sister, Calla; and her grandfather, Nikola. She is survived by her three children, Maria (Fred) Engell, Alexander (Amber) Talev, and Christina (Adam) Legg; grandchildren, Zaida, Anastasia, Damon, Zachary, and Dahlia; brothers-in-law, Kosta (Lence), Steve (Susan), John (Cathy), and Peter (Terry) Talev; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A funeral service in celebration of Nada’s life will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. in St. George Macedonian Orthodox Church, 5083 Onondaga Road, Syracuse. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M., with a Trisagion service at 3:30 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Road (Corner of Buckley Road) North Syracuse, NY 13212. Contributions in Nada’s memory may be made to Paige’s Butterfly Run, 50 Presidential Plaza, Suite LL-3 Syracuse, New York 13202.

Nada (Gorgovski) Talev

October 1, 1955 - May 7, 2025