Buzz Aldrin’s Wife Anca Faur Dies at 66: A Love Story That Reached Beyond the Stars
Buzz Aldrin, the legendary astronaut who became the second person to walk on the moon, is mourning the loss of his wife, Dr. Anca Faur Aldrin. She passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at the age of 66, with her husband and son by her side.
The news was shared in a heartfelt statement posted to Facebook by the Faur and Aldrin families, leaving fans and followers of the space pioneer devastated by the unexpected loss.
A Partnership Built on Love and Shared Vision
“I am so fortunate to have found and married the love of my life,” the 95-year-old Aldrin said in his tribute. “She brought joy to everything we did together. I will miss her dearly.”
The couple’s love story began in December 2017 when they met at a work event. They started dating several months later in May 2018, and their connection was immediate and profound. On January 20, 2023—Aldrin’s 93rd birthday—they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at a park near their home.
“It was a beautiful day,” Aldrin recalled in an interview with PEOPLE last year. “We had decided on a private ceremony, as suitably intimate, just us and the stars in the sky.”
More Than Just a Beautiful Face
Dr. Anca Faur Aldrin was far more than the wife of a famous astronaut. She was an accomplished chemical engineer in her own right, holding a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. Her impressive career included nearly 20 years at Johnson Matthey, a chemicals and sustainable technologies institution based in London.
At the time of her death, she served as treasurer for the California Hydrogen Business Council and as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC, working alongside her husband to advance space exploration and technology initiatives.
Aldrin often spoke glowingly about his wife’s intelligence and accomplishments. He described her as having “the whole Wizard of Oz package” with “brains, heart, and courage.”
“There is something special about her and the way we connect so well,” he said in a 2024 interview. “I have never been happier in my life, and I am lucky beyond words to be with her.”
A Fourth Chapter of Love
This marriage marked Aldrin’s fourth trip down the aisle. He was previously married to Joan Archer from 1954 to 1974, with whom he shares three children: sons James and Andrew, and daughter Janice. His second marriage to Beverly Van Zile lasted from 1975 to 1978, and his third marriage to Lois Driggs Cannon spanned 24 years, from 1988 to 2012.
But his relationship with Anca seemed different. The couple did everything together, from planning projects to celebrating milestones. They were true partners in every sense of the word.
“We do everything together, from eating meals, planning projects and watching the world go by, to meeting with our two families and celebrating,” Aldrin shared.
A Legacy of Excellence
Born in Romania, Dr. Faur studied organic chemistry technology at Politehnica University Timisoara before moving to the United States. She attended the University of Pittsburgh from 1992 to 1996, where she worked as a research assistant, later earning her doctorate in chemical engineering.
Her professional accomplishments were matched by her dedication to advancing hydrogen technology and sustainable energy solutions. As treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council from 2014 to 2020, she played a crucial role in promoting clean energy initiatives.
Remembering a Life Well-Lived
The cause of Dr. Faur Aldrin’s death has not been publicly disclosed. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of a beloved wife, mother, and accomplished professional.
For Buzz Aldrin, who has spent much of his life looking toward the stars, this loss brings him back down to earth. The man who helped humanity take its first steps on the moon now faces one of life’s most painful journeys—grieving the loss of his partner and the love of his life.
Dr. Anca Faur Aldrin is survived by her husband, Buzz Aldrin, and her son, Vlad Ghenciu.