Mary Uzelac
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Mary Uzelac

  • June 1, 1916 - November 25, 2011
  • Saint Joseph, Michigan
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Memories & Candles

“When we were introduced to your mom on the bluff that day, and we talked some, I could tell she was a straight shooter- we loved it. You were good...Read More » ”
1 of 9 | Posted by: Carolyn & Rich Margol

“"Coach" , Wendy and Family- you have our deepest condolences on the loss to your family. Cherish the many happy memories and how she used to...Read More » ”
2 of 9 | Posted by: Rick Smiedendorf

“Dear Coach U. Windy and Family So Very Sorry for your loss. The times we saw her at the Games her smile was the Greatest. Our thoughts and...Read More » ”
3 of 9 | Posted by: Michael LaVanway - Saint Joseph, MI

“Dear Coach U. Windy and Family So Very Sorry for your loss. The times we saw her at the Games her smile was the Greatest. Our thoughts and...Read More » ”
4 of 9 | Posted by: Michael LaVanway - Saint Joseph, MI

“Coach U, Wendy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May your memories comfort you and keep her alive...Read More » ”
5 of 9 | Posted by: Mario Reich - St Joseph, MI

“Dear Coach U and Wendy, Sorry for you loss. I never met your mother but heard many stories about her from coach. She sounded like a great mother...Read More » ”
6 of 9 | Posted by: Phil Laney - St. Joseph, MI

“I wanted to say that Mary was a fiesty, loving person. Her smile, her beautiful eyes are a lot of my memory. I knew Mary from the Admirals Health...Read More » ”
7 of 9 | Posted by: Lori Schilling-Joyce - IN

“Dear Coach U and Family, I am terribly sorry for your loss and that I regret to say that I won't be able to make it on Thursday. Coach, Your...Read More » ”
8 of 9 | Posted by: Andrew Keppeler

“Elliott,Wendy and family We are so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a nice looking lady. Please know that we are keeping all of you...Read More » ”
9 of 9 | Posted by: Nada (Muzek) Romanov - Portage, IN


Mary Uzelac passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2011 in St. Joseph, MI where she lived with her son Elliot. Born in Gary, IN on June 1, 1916 to Dora and Andrew Petkovich she graduated from Horseman High School in 1934. She married Eli Uzelac in October 1938 and they had one son Elliot. Mary was a secretary at Anderson Co. for 10 years and then for her brother Emil Petkovich until she retired in 1978.

She loved football and traveled to most of Elliot's games, including Bowl games, throughout his coaching career. She was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. She loved to needlepoint. All of her family, down to Great nieces and nephews, and friends, received special gifts made by "Great Grandma Mary".

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Emil Petkovich and sister Helen Jancarich. She is survived by her son Elliot Uzelac (Wendy), Granddaughter Lisa Uzelac (Daniel Monbouquette) of Fairhope, Al; Grandson Nick Uzelac (Tina) of St. Joseph, MI and five Great Grandchildren: Jordan Uzelac of Baltimore, MD, Elliot and Isaac Monbouquette and Reese and Charlie Uzelac. She is also survived by a much loved nephew Paul (Xenia) Jancarich and many other nieces and nephews.

She attended St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in New Buffalo, MI and was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, IN. She belonged to the Serbian Sisters Society and was a patron of Karageorge Singing Society.

Visitation will be Thursday December 1st from 5-7 pm (Eastern Standard Time) at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. A Mass will be offered following visitation at 7pm by Fr. Paul Martin.

On Friday December 2nd visitation will be at 9am (Central Standard Time) with a Mass at 10am to be offered by Fr. Marko Matic at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN. Interment will be at Calumet Park Cemetery next to Mary's Mother and Father. Memorials may be made Hospice at Home. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com