Marija Manojlovic (nee Bjegovic)

Marija Manojlovic (nee Bjegovic), 84, passed away on August 4, 2025. She was born in the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia, at the onset of the second world war. She was raised like many of her generation in a volatile and tumultuous time, but overcame adversity through determination and strength of spirit. She married her neighbor Dusan Manojlovic and immigrated to the United States, where together they created the family that was the center of their lives.Marija loved cooking for her family. In true Baba fashion, she was happiest when her beloved grandchildren ate and enjoyed the food she prepared. She was a prodigious gardener, and had the greenest of thumbs: plants, flowers and vegetables thrived under her care. She found great joy in her tidy house and yard.Marija was a devoted member of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral and St. Elijah Kolo Sestara. She worked for many years in the kitchen of St. Elijah Hall, and valued the camaraderie and laughter she shared with the other “kitchen ladies”.Marija is preceded in death by her husband Dusan and brother Djuro. She is survived by her daughter Snezana (Goran) Pavlic, son George (Natalie) Manojlovic, beloved grandchildren Sofia, Isidora, Marija, Luka, Milan and Emilija, sister-in-law Slavka Manojlovic, Kum Rajko Jovanovic, numerous nieces, nephews and kumovi.Marija’s greatest purpose in life was her children and grandchildren. She will live on in their hearts.Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8 at 9:00am with service at 10:00am at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 8700 Taft St, Merrillville, IN with V. Reverend Aleksandar Novakovich officiating. At rest, Calumet Park Cemetery.