Milosava Kuzmanovic's Obituary
Milosava Saric Kuzmanovic, age 82, died in her sleep at home on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Mila was born on March 15, 1930 inDucina,Yugoslavia. She married Milovan Kuzmanovic (1924-1996) in 1949, raising her three children in Stojnik, (now a suburb ofBelgrade,Serbia). In 1968, Mila left communistYugoslavia to find economic and political freedom, first inJoigny,France, and thenMilwaukee,Wisconsin. She moved toCharlotte in 1998 to be near her son and grandchildren, finally settling in Davidson in 2009.
When her father’s death and WWII prevented Mila from completing her own education, she saw to it that her son and daughters received the highest degrees possible within their respective fields. Though she occasionally held two and once even three jobs to make her children’ s education possible, her proudest moments were occasioned by the academic achievements of her family. While she spoke no English when she arrived inMilwaukee, Mila achieved much in her new country, from earning herUScitizenship to owning a home in which she spoke English, French, Polish, and Serbian to her friends. She worked at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, retiring in 1993. Mila was an amazing cook, with specialty Serbian dishes, an accomplished craftsperson with all types of needlework, and a witty commentator on political foibles.
Mila is survived by her Daughters Rada Kusovac (and her huband Sasa) and Biljana (and her husband Miodrag) Mandic, all ofBelgrade,Serbia, and Son, Zoran ( and wife Mary Beth) of Davidson, Grandchildren: Ilija and Milica Mandic; Daniel, Natalie, and Rebecca Kuzmanovich, Great-grandchildren: Natalia and Luka Mandic.
Honoring her wish, a private, family burial will be held inBelgrade,Serbia.
The family would like to thank her boundlessly patient physicians, Ron Beamon and Sam Zimmern, her care giving team, Chrystal, Loretta and Linda (Hospice) andFlorence(Senior Helpers), and the friends who showered her with extra care during these past months, Maggie, Linda, Barbara, Lynn, Thoma.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Senior Lunch Program at AdaJenkinsCenter (704) 896-0471) or to Hospice of Lake Norman. (Donatehospice.org)
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the James Funeral Home.
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