Bogomila Nikolova Mireva - Obituary

ogomila Mireva, age 87. of Washington, DC, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 following a long illness. She was born in Enina, a small village in southern Bulgaria to Mara Gicheva and Nicola Mirev. Growing up, Bogomila and her sister, Ana, had a loving relationship that lasted throughout their lives. Bogomila received her Bachelor degree from the Academy of Arts - Sofia, Bulgaria. As an adult, Bogomila and her then-husband tragically lost their older son in infancy. Fleeing from communism, Bogomila and her younger son, Nikolai went to Rome, Italy, where she studied art. While in Rome she came in contact with the life and works of St. Padre Pio and was greatly inspired by him. This encounter led to a fundamental reshaping and transformation of her life. She converted to Catholicism and God became the center of her life. After Bogomila emigrated to Canada, she suffered more heartbreak when her beloved son Nikolai passed away. Although this was a very dark time, Bogomila’s strong Catholic faith gave her the strength to endure it. In the 1990s, Bogomila accepted a position with the Voice of America and moved to Washington, DC. When the Bulgarian section of the Voice of America was eliminated, she devoted the rest of her career to helping others by working for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1812. Her professionalism and dedication impressed her coworkers; Bogomila continued in this role until she retired at the age of 85. Although her career was fulfilling, Bogomila found her true purpose in life by living out her Catholic faith. She became a fixture at St. Dominic Church, where she attended Mass daily, volunteered as an Extra Minister of Holy Communion, and participated in many other ministries and events. She also delighted parishioners by adding her beautiful voice to the choir. Bogomila was received in the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic on April 5, 2006. She adopted the name Mary Magdalene: Mary in honor of Our Lady, and Magdalene, meaning “first apostle” or “apostle of the apostles.” Bogomila then made her perpetual promises as a member of the Lay Fraternity on September 12, 2010. She was a very active member of the St. Dominic Chapter until her health prevented her active participation. She often asked people to pray for her; but more importantly, she had an extensive daily prayer list which seemed to include almost every person she met. She has now been joyfully reunited with her two sons, mother, father, and sister (Ana). Bogomila leaves two loving nieces, Iveta and Maya, a grandniece, Alexandra, and two grandnephews, Daniel and Paul. She will be fondly remembered and missed by her family and many friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 630 E St., SW, Washington, DC. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD.