Stana Jelic Djinovich passed away Monday January 16th at the age 76 peacefully in her home and in her own way.  Stana was born in Montenegro to parents Milica and Veljko Jelic.  Her life journey took her across the world to the United States in 1977 with three young children hand in hand with one suitcase joining her now late husband Slobodan Djinovich.  She immediately took a job at St Mary Medical Center where she worked for over 20 years.  Over time she took on various additional jobs to help support her family in the new world.  She was a loyal parishioner of St Sava Church and member of the Kolo Sestara actively supporting Lifeline Charitable Organization dedicated to helping poor people in the homeland.

She was preceded in death by her son Dragic “Danny” and husband Slobo Djinovich.

She leaves behind her cherished and beautiful grandkids (Luka, Niko and Ana) Schaefer as well as her daughters Dragica and Dragana and son-in-law Charlie.

Left to mourn her are numerous family in Montenegro, neighbors, kumovi and friends, especially her loyal friend Kathy Kljajich.

Stana was an avid gardener.  Her gardens produced  many beautiful flowers and vegetables that were the envy of her neighborhood and symbol of her strength, perseverance and optimism.

Her faith in God never wavered in spite of numerous setbacks that included the loss of her beloved son and declining health.  She was smart, creative and generous.  She loved everyone and she was a proud Crnogorka until the very end.

She was one of a kind and will be forever missed.

Funeral Services are the following:

Saturday January 21st at 9:00 AM VISITATION

10:00 AM Pomen Service/Funeral Service officiated by Father Marko Matic

St Sava Church

9191 Mississippi Street

Merrillville Indiana 46410

Internment/Burial will take place around 1:00 PM at St Sava Monastery in Libertyville where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved son and husband.

St Sava Monastery address

32377 N Milwaukee avenue

Libertyville IL 60048

For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840.