Roseanna "Roxy" (Vrebac) Mihajlovich

Roseanna “Roxy”Mihajlovich passed peacefully the morning of May 29th, 2024 in Seneca, SC. She was born September 20, 1925, in McKeesport, PA to Nikola and Marie (Simoni) Vrebac, who preceded her in death, along with a half-brother, Nick Vrebac. Roxy married the late Lou (Laz) Mihajlovich April 18, 1953, at Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church in South Bend. She is survived by three sons, Laz (Gordana), Mal (Judy), and Marko, and a daughter, Mira. She was "Baba" to Matthew, Alex, Gabrielle, Dustin, and Jeremy (Brooke, son Logan) Mihajlovich, and Wes (Angie) Lucas (children Jocelyn and Noah). She was loved as "Teta Roxy" by her church family, and "Cousin Roseanna" by numerous Simoni relatives in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

The daughter of an immigrant Serbian tavern and boarding house owner and granddaughter of Italian immigrants, she graduated eighth in her high school class, but was denied such opportunities as going to Washington DC during WWII or attending Duquesne University on a voice scholarship. She never complained and helped both her family of origin and her own family through hard work, including 17 years at Liberty Mutual Insurance. In her retirement, Roxy remained involved in her church, choir, and "kolo" (Circle of Serbian Sisters) and stayed in touch with her friends and coworkers from Liberty Mutual. “Baba” enjoyed her later years, including adventures such as parasailing in Hawaii; traveling to a Greek Island and Istanbul market with her beloved “Teta Doe” in her 70s; riding a Harley at 80 with her son Mal; and meeting long-lost relatives and her new in-laws in Serbia and Bosnia while in her 80s. 

She was all about love and even if she didn't particularly like someone, she gladly accepted them into her company. Roxy was a good Mom who tried to walk and talk a path of empathy, faith, and happiness. She was a much better person than we could ever be.

The family would like to thank Dr. Natallia Abramovich and the nurses and caregivers at Hospice of the Foothills for their care and comfort of "Baba" during her final months.

Viewing will be Thursday, June 6th from 4-8 at Zahoran Funeral Home (1826 Kemble Ave., South Bend) with a brief prayer service at 7 pm. The funeral will be held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church (59248 Keria Trail, South Bend) at 11 am on Friday, June 7th (viewing one hour before), with interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery (24981 State Road 2, South Bend). A luncheon celebration of Roxy's life will follow at the church hall. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church or Hospice of the Foothills (390 Keowee School Rd., Seneca, SC 29672).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roseanna "Roxy" (Vrebac) Mihajlovich, please visit our floral store.