Mrs. Smelia Damjanovich's Obituary
Mrs. Smelia Damjanovich of Saint Petersburg, Florida passed away Friday, July 20, 2018 in St. Anthony's Hospital of Saint Petersubrg. She was 89.
Smelia was born July 9, 1929 in Mokrin, Serbia; the beautiful daughter of the late Alex and Lena Damjanovich. She and her parents moved to the United States in 1939 after their homeland was invaded at the onset of World War II in Europe.
She embarked on her career path as an educator / teacher working in various states and impacting a multitude of young people throughout her professional journey. Deeply tied to her Serbian roots, she taught Serbian folk dancing to her community via the Serbian Church in Saint Petersburg.
Smelia had a very giving heart and always took a small expression of thanks with her when visiting friends or family. When others visited her, she always sent them home with a handmade token of her appreciation. Her giving nature was quite evident in her willingness to serve her community. She actively served on the All Children's Hospital Guild and with the Women's Chamber of Saint Petersburg. She had an affinity for the arts and enthusiastically contributed time and talents with the Stuart Society, the Opera Guild and the Florida Symphony.
Smelia is survived by her beloved husband of 15+ years, Gary de Broekert. and a host of friends and associates. Her giving heart and loving spirit will be missed by many.
Funeral services will be 10am Monday, July 30, 2018 in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home 5750 49th St. N, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33709. Immediately following the ceremony, friends and family will recess to the Garden of Meditation within Memorial Park Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. Online condolences and memories may be shared on Smelia's tribute page at www.memorialparkfuneralhome.com
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