Smiljana Lillian (Stoykovich) Jovanovic fell asleep in the Lord on January 15, 2021 at the age 61 in Munster, Indiana. Smiljana is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Dragoslav; daughter Natasha Bastaic, son-in-law Zoran, and grandchildren Nikola, Adrijana, and Lela; and son Alexander Jovanovic, daughter-in-law Nada, and grandchildren Milena, Katarina, and Natalia.
Smiljana was born on April 14, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, to immigrants from Serbia, Gvozden and Radmila Stoykovich. She grew up on the East Side and was a graduate of George Washington High School. She spent her professional life in the flower industry in the Chicago area and at one time ran her own flower business, Lavin Kaplan Florist. As her children were growing up at St. Archangel Michael Church, she was a very active volunteer and organizer with Kolo Folk Dance Ensemble. Smiljana treasured spending time with her family and friends and was a big fan of Serbian music and kolo dancing. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Her joyful smile lit up a room, and she will be greatly missed.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private family visitation and service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Lansing, Illinois. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, we would encourage donations in her memory to St. Archangel Michael Church or to the Crush COVID campaign of the CDC Foundation.
