Violeta Sekuj

Violeta Sekuj, renowned Albanian actress and pioneering theater director, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. She was 94 years old.

Born on March 1, 1931, in Tirana, Albania, Mrs. Sekuj lived a life devoted to the arts, culture, and community. A graduate of the esteemed Artistic High School “Jordan Misja” in 1952, she went on to become a celebrated stage and film actress, starring in many of Albania’s most iconic productions throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Her expressive talent and captivating screen presence earned her a lasting place in the canon of Albanian cinema.

She later made history as the first female director in Albanian stage arts. Working alongside her husband, the late stage director Paulin Sekuj, she played a formative role in shaping the theatrical landscape of Shkoder, where the couple was widely respected for their artistic vision and dedication.

In addition to her extraordinary career, Mrs. Sekuj was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She was known for her warmth, her generosity, and her boundless love for her children and grandchildren. A talented and avid crochet artist, she delighted in making scarves, sweaters, and garments for her loved ones—gifts that will be treasured for generations.

In her later years, Mrs. Sekuj moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, to be closer to her family. There, she remained a vibrant part of the Albanian community, continuing to explore her lifelong passions for literature, international film, and languages.

She is survived by her son, Gjergj Sekuj and his wife, Mirela Sekuj of Worcester, MA; her daughter, Terezina Kukli and her husband, Ndoc Kukli of Tampa, FL; and her beloved grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 29th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street in Worcester. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery.

Mrs. Sekuj will be remembered not only for her groundbreaking contributions to the arts, but for the grace, strength, and warmth she brought to all who knew and loved her.