Melita Pujic Dzaja of Youngstown, OH, formerly of Hermitage, passed away at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at the Windsor House at Guardian Health Care Center. She was 68.

Mrs. Dzaja was born July 28, 1949, in Linz, Austria, a daughter of Vinko "Vince" and Olga (Sonntag) Pujic. She moved with her family to the United States in 1952 and she graduated from Hickory High School in 1967.

Melita attended Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA, until she returned home to work at the family business "Vince's Family Shoes", West Middlesex. Later, she was employed as a teller at McDowell Bank and First Federal Bank, both in Hermitage, before returning to work at her family's shoe store.

Melita was a longtime member at St. Anthony's Church, Sharon and enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Her husband, Paul A. Dzaja, whom she married on July 8, 1972, passed away on August 28, 2013.

She is survived by a daughter, Melissa Malito and her husband Tom, Girard, OH; a son, Paul V. Dzaja; her mother, Olga Pujic, both Hermitage; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Dominic, Madison and Mia Malito; a sister, Anita Kerlek and her husband Dennis, West Middlesex; two nephews, Josh (Bonnie) Kerlek; and Brett (Lisa) Kerlek; three great nephews, Nolan, Vinko and Ryland Kerlek; and two great nieces, Ellison and Avarie Kerlek.

In addition to her husband, Melita was preceded in death by her father.

The family would like to thank Guardian Health Care Center for the care, love and support they provided throughout Melita's long term stay and also All Caring Hospice.  They would also like to thank family and friends who have shown their love and support during this difficult time, especially Donna Billioni, Debbie Campbell and Cindy Wesneski and her best friend from high school Marcia Serwick Ward.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Guardian Health Care activities department, 1735 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44504 ; or St. Anthony's Church, 804 Idaho St., Sharon, PA 16146 .

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. until noon Monday ( 12/4/2017 ) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon .

Mass of Christian burial will be 12:30 p.m. Monday , in St. Anthony's Church, Sharon, with Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor as celebrant.

Burial: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage.