Marija (Miklja) Stojiljkovic was born on March 14, 1955 in Grebenac, Serbia and was the youngest of eight children to George and Maria Miklja. She was very close to her family, especially her parents. Tragically at an early age of 13, she lost her father to cancer; leaving her and her brother Elijah heartbroken and in the care of their mother. Marija eventually went to live with her sister Kornelija in Kikinda so that she could get education and plan her future career as a teacher.

When a teaching job opportunity came up, she moved to Leskovac where she also met her husband Nikola Stojiljkovic. They were married on October 30, 1977 and were blessed with two daughters, Katarina and Ljubica, who she loved deeply.They continued living in Leskovac where Marija taught for 35 years. She was a rich blessing to many students throughout her amazing teaching career.

As a family of four, they traveled often and enjoyed spending time together in different settings. Marija took care of all the planning, making sure every detail was made right. She enjoyed all the trips but also worked very hard to provide for her family and take care of everything needed at home. She was always working or finding a way to earn money to better the lives of her loved ones.

After retirement in 2013, she moved to America joining her oldest daughter Katarina and many of her family members, where she would continue to work hard and earn a better future. Her focus was always to work and provide. She cared a lot for everyone! She was a strong woman and the glue in her family. She was tough. A warrior! A true fighter! She fought all the way through her very last day here with us. Her strength is one of her greatest attributes. Marija was a wise woman who leaves behind a great example of what it is to be a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, cousin aunt and friend. She leaves her legacy with us of doing whatever it takes to provide and care for the people you love.

Marija was raised in a Christian home. That foundation stayed with her even when she didn't embrace all of her parents' teachings, but she always followed their example of living a moral, selfless life with a heart to give, and to care for others.

A huge trial for her began in April 2019 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive type of lung cancer, changing her life drastically from being active, hard-working and thriving, to a journey of fighting the biggest battle of her life! She moved into her daughter Katarina's home for care and continued treatments.Soon after her diagnosis, her younger daughter Ljubica, who is a nurse, came from Serbia and became a real blessing by being her constant full-time caregiver with love and compassion.She also accompanied her to doctor visits, treatments, and continued taking care of her mother until the end.

On May 20, 2019, amid her brave battle with cancer, Marija gave her life to Jesus and was excited to be baptized at home. She trusted God, she stayed strong and trusted him every step of the way, as she fought this tough fight for nearly two years, and never gave up!She endured tough tests, scans, intense treatments and often suffering much pain, but through every phase of her journey, she held strong, was brave, and just held on to the hope that through God, she will overcome.

Her never ending faith was a tremendous example of trust and perseverance to whoever she was in contact with, especially to her daughters and close family; even her doctors and specialists considered her an amazing fighter.Marija was a great example of strength in the toughest storms of life, and her love for God and family was her constant message, evidenced in her attitude and expressions, no matter how heavy the trials were upon her.She often expressed her appreciation for all the love and support from her relatives and church family and friends who prayed for her and gave her constant comfort and encouragement.

On December 7, 2020 Jesus called Marija Home to her eternal resting place.She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones.With his arms wide open, Jesus welcomed her into Heaven and out of suffering. She sits now safe in the arms of Jesus.

She is survived by her husband Nikola, daughters Katarina and Ljubica, brothers George and Pavel, sisters Georgina and Kornelja as well as many nieces and nephews.