Mary Govich (nee Pavlovich), 95, of Lorain, died Monday, November 10, 2008 at Avon Oaks Nursing Home in Avon, after a lengthy illness.

Mary was a charter member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Lorain, where she was in the choir and was a member and past president of both the Serbian Ladies Circle and Mothers Club. She and her husband, Michael were the first couple to marry after the consecration of the church. Since 1924, she was an officer and member of the Serb National Federation Lodge #66.

During World War II, Mary worked at Bendix in Elyria, at One-Hour Martinizing Dry Cleaners in Elyria and at the Fashion Barn Boutique in Lorain. She also volunteered at area voting stations in Lorain.

After retirement, Mary bowled regularly with the senior clubs. She enjoyed crocheting, needlework and embroidery. Fortunately, after about 56 years, she was able to travel to Serbia to see relatives that she hadn’t seen since childhood.

Arriving from Yugoslavia (Serbia) at age 11 and attending school to age 16, she married, but was unable to get a high school diploma. Hence, in her 60’s, she was urged to attend night school for six years and received her diploma from Admiral King High School in 1974. Not surprisingly, she earned straight A’s.

Unknowingly, her graduation coincided with the high school graduations of her youngest daughter, Milica and her two grandsons, Mike R. Coso of California and

Dan Govich of New Mexico. The Morning Journal published a human interest story of the four of them graduating at the same time.

She is survived by her son, Dennis M. Govich and wife Lori L. of Elyria; daughters, Joan G. Coso of North Ridgeville and Mrs. John M. (Milica "Seka") Vukasovich of Birmingham, Michigan; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; cousins, Jovica Pavlovic of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Radovan Gvoic of Windsor, Ontario, Canada; daughter-in-law, Dr. Marilyn Govich, of Norman, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Michael G. Govich in 1997; son, Dr. Bruce M. Govich in 1998; parents, Sam and Milica Pavlovich (nee Busic); sister, Nada Crews; and son-in-law, Michael M. Coso.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 14, 2008 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 P.M. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain, where a Parastas Service will be held Friday at 7 P.M.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 12 P.M. in the funeral chapel, followed by the liturgy at 1 P.M. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 2210 E. 33rd St., Lorain.  The Rev. Aleksa Pavichevich, Pastor, and the Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic, former Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 2210 E. 33rd St, Lorain, OH. 44055.
Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net

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