Obituary of Vidosava Jovanovich

Vidosava Ristivojevich Jovanovich Mrs. Vidosava (Vicki) Jovanovich of Charlotte, N.C. died August 22, 2011 at the age of 90. She was born in Belgrade, Serbia (former Yugoslavia). Daughter of Milorad and Milica Ristivojevich, she was preceded in death by her husband Jovan Jovanovich and sister Vukosava Jankovich. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Boyana J. Stamatovich, her dear son-in-law Zoran Stamatovich and her three beloved grandsons Aleksandar, Marko and Petar. She also leaves behind a brother-in-law Cvetko Jovanovic, sister-in-law, Maria Jovanovic; niece, Mirjana Jovanovic-Monti and husband, Jonathan Monti; as well as loving family and friends in Serbia. Miss Vicki had a special touch for each person that crossed her path. She adored her three grandsons Aleksandar, Marko and Petar. She was nurturing and always concerned about their well being. She laughed and cried with them. She taught them how to walk, ride bikes, roller skate and fascinated them with her amazing stories. She took them for long walks, spoke to them in Serbian and English and opened their eyes to the world around them. She spoke frequently about her past and what she had to endure to survive. Her long walks took them through the streets of New York City, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Great Neck and finally through the beautiful neighborhoods of Charlotte. She was there for them, for every step of their life. Her beloved grandsons were the pride and joy of her life. In dedication to their Nana. Grandma?s Hugs are Made of Love Everything my grandma does is something special made with love. She takes time to add the extra touch that says ?I love you very much.? She fixes hurts with a kiss and smile And tells good stories grandma style. It?s warm and cozy in her lap for secret telling or a nap. And when I say my prayers at night, I ask God to bless and hold her tight. Cause when it comes to giving hugs my grandma?s arms are filled with love! Poet Unknown She graduated from the University of Belgrade with a degree in Economics and a minor in Germanic Languages (English and German). She held one of the highest positions in a state run dictatorship. She worked for Serbocoop in Belgrade, Serbia. She refused to be a member of the communist party and had to endure severe mental and physical torture. She survived the Nazi occupation in Yugoslavia during World War II. In order to provide food for her sister, mother and father (who were hiding in the hills of Belgrade) she was forced to play the piano for the Nazi invaders. She endured numerous years of hardship and persecution. In 1952 her husband escaped to Greece and received political asylum. Her only child Boyana was one year old. The Communist Government blamed her for his flight and of having devised an escape plan. Once again she endured years of persecution. Udba ? the Secret Police of the Communist Party used to come in the middle of the night direct their blinding lights into the windows call out her name and take her away. This went on two to three times a week for almost six years. She would be interrogated and at times tortured. In 1959 she was allowed to leave the country with her daughter. Her husband had remained in Greece for 2 years, entered the U.S. in 1953 and received his citizenship in 1959. That same year Vicki and her daughter received their American Citizenship and became eternally grateful for the opportunity of being an ?American?. Vicki worked as vice-president of sales and acquisitions (her English was impeccable) for Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City. She also worked as an accountant bookkeeper for two large garment firms. In 1989 she moved with her husband to Charlotte, N.C. to be near her daughter and her family. Vicki was an accomplished pianist, folk dancer, vocalist and multi-linguist. She was a forerunner of women?s rights and equality for all. She was a very progressive woman for her time. She encouraged higher education and held positions that were mainly allocated to men. She followed politics closely in the states and abroad. She had an inquisitive nature. She was extremely open minded and her love of animals was truly heartfelt. She will greatly be missed. Mother (Mama) words can never express the deepest gratitude and respect I have for you. You have been my rock and by far you are the strongest woman I have ever known. You have been there for me my whole life and I love you so much for it. I mostly admire and love you for the person you are, Your daughter, Boyana We will always be together. The family would like to extend their gratitude to our dear friend, Gordana Djuranovic who never left her side and her wonderful caregivers, Rada Vasic, Branka Lazic, Estella Sekle, Dawn Smith, Zosia Romanczuk and Natalija Stanojevic. Also the family would like to acknowledge with gratitude the staff and administrators of Avante? at Charlotte and White Oak Manor. Memorials can be made to ASPCA of Charlotte (in remembrance of Lucky, Sasha, Soko, Misha, Bambi and Honey). A private funeral service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Evergreen Cemetery in the Serbian Orthodox Section. A celebration of Vicki?s life will be held at the home of her daughter, Dr. Boyana Stamatovich Saturday, September 3, 2011 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.