Zora Golumbovski

Zora Mrksic Golumbovski, age 85, passed away after a long and fulfilling life on January 28, 2025. She was born on February 19, 1939, to the late Simo and Ljubica Mrksic (of Serbian descent) and was one of five children who grew up in Dvor na Uni in central Croatia, which was part of the former Yugoslavia.

Zora immigrated to the United States with her brother, Miroslav, on May 1, 1958. She graduated from Argo High School in Summit IL. Zora went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the Spanish and Russian languages, from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana IL. 

After spending several years in the real estate and healthcare industries, Zora sought something more fulfilling and eventually found her calling in the Chicago public school system. For the next 25 years, she worked as a high school language teacher, specializing in Russian and Spanish, primarily serving underprivileged students. 

On April 21, 1973, Zora married Predrag Golumbovski †, and together they raised their two children, Olga and Marko, in Lincolnwood, Illinois. Zora worked tirelessly to create a better life for her family, balancing a full-time job, raising her children, managing the household, and growing a residential property side business. Her dedication to advancement and strong work ethic served as an exemplary model for all who knew her.

For their retirement, Zora and Predrag built a home in Northport, Florida, where they lived for 18 years and became deeply involved in their community, including supporting the construction of their local church. 

Zora was a social person who forged strong bonds with friends and loved ones in her community. Her genuine care and concern for others, along with her unquenchable desire to help, resulted in many close and invaluable relationships with family and friends. She enjoyed deep conversations, playing cards, hosting dinners, and sharing laughter with her loved ones. Zora especially cherished her grandchildren—Tyler, AJ, Melina, and Nikola—and felt her happiest when playing with them.

A desire to be closer to their grandchildren prompted Predrag and Zora to return to Illinois in 2022, where they spent their remaining years.

Zora’s unwavering conviction, determination, diligence, and authenticity earned her the respect of everyone she met. Zora was a passionate person who tried to make life better for everyone around her, and her loss leaves an irreplaceable void for many.

Zora was predeceased by her husband Predrag and survived by her daughter Olga (Mario) Santoscoy; son Marko (Zoki) Golumbovski and grandchildren Tyler and Adrian Santoscoy and Melina and Nikola Golumbovski; her brother Miroslav Mrksic and  sister Anka Stojic. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 4 PM until 9 PM with prayers at 6:30 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Serbian Orthodox Diocese of New Gracanica Midwestern America, 35249 West Grant Avenue, Third Lake, IL 60046. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.