Milica Zivkovich, 91, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in the comfort of home.
Milica was the 6 th child, and only girl, born to father Dmitar and mother Joka Vranić in April 1934 in Crni Lug, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was raised on a large farm in the village during a difficult time in history. With the assistance of her late brother †Milan Vranic, she emigrated to the Chicago area in 1956, where she ultimately met her husband †Milan Zivkovich. They settled in the Southeast side of Chicago, first as a member of St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church. Thereafter, they were one of the many founding families of St. Simeon SOC in South Chicago and its folklore group, for whom she proudly suggested the group’s name “Gavrilo Princip”, who was born in a village near hers.
Milica and †Milan were blessed with three children during their marriage, Rade, †Mara, and Dana. She fiercely loved her family and especially her grandchildren Hannah, Abby, Mila, Spiro and Marina. She was a caring and engaging aunt of Ratko, Milkica, Nada, Gordana, Dmitar, Michelle, Anne, †Dmitar, †Lazo, Nikola, Predrag, Lela, Ljilja, Dobrila, Dusanka, Snezana, Borislav, and Stevo and continued to engage with their families in the United States, Canada, and across former Yugoslavia throughout her long, beautiful, and adventurous life.
Later in life, Milica moved to southwest Florida and was a founding member of St. Sava SOC in North Port, where the charter was signed in her living room by a very small group of people with the vision to build a community. She spent 40 years in Florida before returning to Chicago to move in with her daughter Dana.
Milica was dedicated to her faith, friendships, and community, serving in many roles, including the Circle of Serbian Sisters, church choir, folklore, and children’s camp. Her ability to laugh in the face of any challenge was part of a deeper resilience: she refused to feel sorry for herself and never, ever complained. She was a champion of the Serbian people and worked tirelessly with rare vigor and determination for the advancement of her family, church, and the Serbian community. To know her was to know that she was one of a kind. Without a doubt, she left a lasting impression on those who met her, whether it be with her sharp wit or strong opinions.
Milica’s memory lives in the hearts of all the people whose lives she touched and the countless people she helped during her entire life.
May her memory be eternal.
Visitation took place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the New Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, 35240 W. Grant Avenue, Third Lake IL 60046.
Opelo (Serbian Orthodox Funeral Service) Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the New Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery.
Interment at the Most Holy Mother of God Cemetery next to her husband.
After the interment Daća (Serbian Orthodox Memorial Luncheon) was served at the monastery.
The family invites those wishing to do so to make a memorial donation to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in North Port, Florida, a community that held great meaning for her.
For detailed information please contact:
SVETA GORA FUNERAL HOME, Chicago, tel 773-588-2200.
Draga Dano i porodico, Primite nase iskreno saucesce a vasoj najdrazoj Milici neka Gospod Bog podari rajsko nasele u cartvu njegovom. Vecnaja pamjat! Iskreno, Branko Sajic sa porodicom
Dana over Alex izcreno saucesii za vas od mene od moj podice at 5132 n Monticello Chicago
Dear Dana & Family, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother. May her memory be eternal!
Rest in peace, dear kuma Milka, Thank you for the laughter, the wisdom, and the love you've shared with us over the decades. Your love and kindness will stay with us forever. You were always there for us in your own cheerful way when we lived in Hammond, Indiana, USA — thank you very much. Your lively spirit left a lasting mark on our life. Thank you for your care, your words, and your presence. We will miss your warmth, your smile, and the way you made us feel loved. You offered grace, love, and compassion throughout your life, to those in need, for Serbian refugees and churches, and we know you are now held in the light of that same love. It’s hard to say goodbye, but you will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace, dear kuma, surrounded by the love you so freely gave to others. Your faith, love and kindness live on through your family, kumovi, and friends. Kum Rajko Kozomara, kuma Ratka i kuma Ljilja Lili Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Draga moja Milkice, drago mi je sto sam te upoznala kao i porodicu tvoje kćerke Dane. Provedeno vrijeme sa tobom dalo mi je razlog za razmišljanje o mnogo čemu.Jakost,upornost,doza tvrdoglavosti u ispunjenju svojih ciljeva su samo neke od vrlina.Osmijeh,tvoj pogled i “laku noc hany” će zauvijek ostati u mome sjećanju.Laka ti crna zemlja moja Milkice.
Draga moja teta Mili, rijeci ne mogu nikada izraziti moju zahvalnost , postovanje i ljubav koju imam za Vas. Zauvijek cu Vas nositi u srcu i sjecanju za vasu dobrotu, pomoc i sve sto ste uradili za mene. Od srca Vam vjecno hvala! Vasa Sonja
Rest in peace teta +Milica. We used to gather together while my parents had a home in Port Charlotte. I once drove her back to the Chicago area with my mom and she insisted that I drive straight through, while talking the entire way. Beautiful soul it was a pleasure. Our condolences to the entire family.
I met teta Milica through her daughter Dana. She was a very sweet lady who is always smiling and she was always very kind to me and my children. The bond she shared with Dana and her grandchildren was very strong and I m very glad that she was lucky to leave this world while at home.