Zorica Jelic, a longtime resident of Hermitage, passed away at 11:10 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2016, in UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie, with her loving family by her side. She was 74.

Mrs. Jelic was born November 14, 1941, in what was then Smederevo, Yugoslavia, a daughter of Dragutin and Jagodinka (Milosevic) Kandic. She was educated in Europe and immigrated to the United States in the late 1950's.

An exceptional homemaker, she was a very active member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage.

Her husband, Djuro Jelic, whom she married February 4, 1962 in the former St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Farrell, passed away March 4, 2009.

Surviving are: four children who lovingly called her "Mama," Mirjana "Midi" Jelic, Hermitage; Gordana Jelic-Lettieri and her husband Stephen, Brookfield; Vesna Perinuzzi and her husband Claudio, Bayside, NY; and George Jelic and his wife Zorica, also Brookfield; five grandchildren who affectionately called her "Baba," Djuro Jelic; Luca and Vincent Perinuzzi; and Mihailo and Snezana Jelic.

Besides her husband, Zorica was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Zoran, who passed away in 1965; and a brother, Radisa Kandic. Zorica, who dedicated her life to her children and her church, was an amazing cook and baker. She was always available to help others in need and was loved by many.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 65 S. Keel Ridge Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2016, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2016, in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage, with Fr. Vedran Grabic, pastor, officiating. Interment: St. John Cemetery, Hermitage.