FORMER SNF PERSON OF THE YEAR

Sister Daisy Merich (nee Dopudja), age 96, of Lansing, IL, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milan Merich; son, Ted Merich; parents, Jovo and Janja Dopudja; as well as siblings: Leva Solaya, Ann Vukobratovich Clark, and Dan Dopudja. Loving mother of Janice (Mike) Jaksich, Doreen, and Melanie (the late Dan) Spellens. Cherished grandmother of Michael (Aaliya Bokhari) Jaksich, Danella (Dan) Krauleidis, Joseph Jaksich and Ted Merich Jr. Adored great-grandmother of Aydin and Jude Bokhari Jaksich. Daisy is survived by sisters-in-law: Helen Dopudja, and Emily Sertich; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, Kumovi, and friends.

Daisy will be remembered for her devotion to family, faith, and community as well as her loving nature and sweet soul. She was a dedicated member of her church singing club, the S.S.S. Sloboda, and the women’s Circle of Serbian Sisters Knjeginja Zorka.

She was a long-standing member of the Serb National Federation Lodge #25 and was honored as SNF person of the year in 1994. Together as empty nesters Daisy and Milan were volunteers at Munster Community Hospital. At various times she served as President and Treasurer of the Munster Community Hospital Women’s Auxiliary Board.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Daisy’s memory to the ALS Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, S.S.S. Sloboda, or Lifeline Chicago.

A 40-day memorial service (parastos) will be held on April 21, 2024, at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, Lansing, IL.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Hartsfield Rehab and Long Term Care Center staff employees in Munster, IN, for the awesome care they provided to their mom.

Memory eternal.