Joanne Jovanka “Seja” Vitas

Born to eternal life Saturday, January 16th, 2021 at the age of 82. Joanne was born in the Piggsville neighborhood of Milwaukee on February 7th, 1938. She was the daughter of George & Anka Gukich and baby sister ‘seja’ to brothers Emil (Ann) Risovich, Joe (Milka) Risovich, Steve (Dorothy) Gukich, Eli (Ann) Gukich, Mike Gukich and sisters Mary (Ed) Jurken and Carrie (Charlie) Kallas. She was married to her loving husband Milan ‘Butch’ Vitas for 35 years. Survived by her children Dawn Clark, Mark (Kelly) Vitas, Annie (Jovo) Oklobdzija, grandchildren Sophie, Sam, Petar, Eva, Mira and her great granddaughter Gabrielle. She is also survived by her dear sisterin-law Kathryn Rajak, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, kumovi and beloved friends. Joanne was a proud graduate of West Allis Central High School and remained close to her class of ‘56 Bulldogs meeting frequently for luncheons and reunions. Co-founded The Wild Pansy with her daughter Annie, where besides arranging flowers, she served as an advisor, counselor and provided comedic relief to countless customers and neighbors. Joanne was a devoted, faithful member of St. Sava Orthodox Church. She dedicated her life to serving the Serbian Community where she was a Sunday School teacher for multiple generations of children, an enthusiastic and cherished member of the Stevan Sijacki Choir and a member of the Circle of Serbian Sisters, co-chairing the Serbian Days Sweet Shop with her dear friend Elaine Beronja for many years. Some of her most cherished memories came from her favorite place on earth, St. Sava Camp in Libertyville, IL. A camper in her youth, she followed her mother’s example, and volunteered to cook for the children, staff and clergy, and ensured her children and grandchildren were enriched by attending. Whether it was covert operations during Reindeer Games, sneaking her grandchildren into the kitchen for unsanctioned snacks, conversations under the tree with her kitchen girls and camp clergy, or her love for the next generation discovering their culture and religion in its purest form, St. Sava Monastery was where she was at her best. Joanne was dedicated to her family and many, many friends. She had an enormous capacity for joy and laughter. She was famous for her baking and cooking, often starting the morning with a phone call to ask, “What can I make for you today?” The family would like to thank Dr. Jeff Aldred, Dr. Laura McGartland, Dr. Mouhammed Rihawi and Olivera Catic APNP, for their care, compassion and guidance. Private services were held. A celebration of her life is planned for summer. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to honor her passion for Camp and endless efforts to see the Camp building rebuilt for future generations to enjoy: St. Sava Building Restoration Fund PO Box 519 Libertyville, IL, 60048