Milica Brezovski

Milica Brezovski (née Ivančević); a mother, grandmother, teacher, artist, and activist. She touched the hearts of all those she encountered on her long journey of 93 years.

Born in 1931 in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Milica spent her childhood in the rural village of Podum, Croatia alongside her loving parents—Ljubica and Miloš Ivančević—and her four siblings. Her warm home, nestled in a close-knit and hardworking community, shaped her quick-witted, altruistic, and courageous spirit.

Overcoming obstacles came naturally to Milica. She aided in anti-fascistic efforts as a young girl during World War II. Following the war, she determinedly pursued higher education and a career in teaching.

A constant advocate for equality, she utilized her role as a teacher to help rebuild post-war communities. She went above and beyond to educate and provide for her students and their families, enhancing their economic, cultural, and social lives.

She conquered her battle with tuberculosis undeterred by a bleak prognosis in the 1950s, a time in her life when she cultivated some of her deepest connections—including that with her late husband, Mihajlo.

She spent a majority of her life as a dedicated, strong, and compassionate mother to her daughter Tatjana. Milica was no stranger to independence, so despite the passing of her husband, she continued to instill in her daughter the values needed to become a confident, creative, self-sufficient, and good-hearted person.

Like Milica’s heart, the doors to the Brezovski household were always open. Neighbors, strangers, relatives, and friends alike found solace and support within her home. Most notably, amid the turmoil of the Yugoslav wars, she selflessly prioritized the safety of others by providing aid and essential goods to hundreds of civilians.

After immigrating to the U.S. and becoming a citizen, she dedicated much of her time to her beloved grandchildren: Leonardo, Alex, and Melissa.

Her knack for problem-solving extended to her love for puzzles and strategy games. Her specialties were crosswords, card games, and chess—in which she rarely stood defeated. She was also an expert knitter and crocheter, often surprising loved ones with hand-made gifts.

Milica peacefully passed away surrounded by family on September 15th, 2024.

She will continue to be remembered by many as a person who was small of stature, but big of heart.

Friends and relatives may visit with Milica’s family at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT on Friday, September 20th, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by her burial in Centerville Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. To send condolences, please see her obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.