Tanja Andric

1971-2007

Eulogies

Beloved Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend

Voljena Cerka, Sestra, Tetka i Prijateljica

Undoubtedly, Tanja’s greatest love was her family and friends, of whom she was fiercely protective. She was a precious daughter to Snezana and Momcilo, dear sister to Natasha and Milan. She was madly in love with Milan and Ana’s children, her young niece and nephew Elena and Ivo, whom she showered with gifts and affection.Tanja’s kindness touched many; her friendship embraced a fortunate few. Her brilliance was matched only by her strength as an individual, for she would prefer to stand alone with faith in her convictions than to join the crowd who wanders without questioning why they wander or if their path leads logically to a greater good. Tanja was an extraordinary human being. Her rare combination of selflessness, empathy and thoughtfulness were manifest to all who knew her. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, never arrived at your home without a gift and never failed to truly listen when you spoke to her.She was a warm and loving member of the Serbian-American community, especially of her family’s church, St. Simeon Mirotocivi, located on the southeast side of Chicago.Tanja completed her undergraduate studies at Indiana University in 1993, majoring in Biology and Chemistry. She graduated from UIC in 2004 with a Masters in Physiology. She won the university’s Provost Award in 2003.She was a woman of unusually high intelligence who was a driven student and scientific researcher. The pursuit of knowledge and learning was her temple. Her many passions included books, art, architecture, and chess. While many knew Tanja as an intellectual and serious academic, she was also famous for her sense of humor that captivated the heart and soul.As much as Tanja was a cerebral person, she was an equally physical person. She was incredibly strong and active. She was a tennis and volleyball enthusiast, and a personal trainer.Tanja was a lifelong Chicago resident, but had relocated to New Jersey where she worked as a medical scientist for Bristol-Myers Squibb. She ultimately succumbed to meningitis which she had contracted and successfully fought three times before.She will be remembered and loved for her incredible spirit and vast capacity to love.

Wake service

Sun, June 17, 7:30p.m.
Elmwood Chapel, 11200 Ewing Ave. Chicago

Funeral

Mon, June 18, 9:00 a.m.
St. Simeon Mirotocivi, 3737 E. 114th St., Chicago

Bez ikakve sumnje, Tanjina najveca ljubav su bili njena porodica i prijatelji koje je uvek odlucno podrzavala i stitila. Bila je prekrasna cerka Snezani i Momcilu i draga sestra Natasi i Milanu. Beskrajno je volela Milanovu i Aninu decu, njenu bratanicu i bratanca Elenu i Ivu, i stalno ih obasipala poklonima i paznjom.Tanjina dobrota je dirnula mnoge a njeno prijateljstvo usrecilo odabrane. Pored briljantnog uma/intelekta ona je imala i veliku individualnu snagu, i uvek bi radije cvrsto stajala iza svojih principa i verovanja nego sto bi pratila vecinu.Tanja je bila izvanredno ljudsko bice. Bila je aktivan clan srpsko-americkog drustva, narocito u svojoj porodicnoj crvki, Sveti Simeon Mirotocivi, lociranoj u jugoistocnom delu Chikaga.Tanja je zavrsila studije biologije i hemije na Indijana univerzitetu 1993ce godine. Magistrirala je iz fiziologije na UICu 2004te godine. Nagradjena je Provost nagradom 2003 godine.Bila je vrlo inteligentan naucni istrazivac i iznad svega je cenila znanje.Bila je poznata po svom smislu za humor koji je osvajao i srce i dusu.Konacno je osvojio meningitis koji je tri puta uspela da pobedi u proslosti.Bice upamcena i voljena po svom slobodom duhu i ogromnoj kolicini ljubavi prema porodici i prijateljima.

Pomen

Sun, June 17, 7:30p.m.
Elmwood Chapel, 11200 Ewing Ave. Chicago

Sahrana

Mon, June 18, 9:00 a.m.
St. Simeon Mirotocivi , 3737 E. 114th St., Chicago

Tanja Andric Memorial Fund

Pored cveca, porodica vas obavestava da mozete poslati donacije fondaciji “Tanja Andric Memorial Fund at UIC”, uplatom na “University of Illinois Foundation” racun, sa naznakom “Tanja Andric Memorial Fund”. Cekove mozete poslati na sledecu adresu:

Tanja Andric Memorial Fund
c/o Joe Horvath
Office of Advancement (MC792)
1747 West Roosevelt Road, 302 WROB
Chicago, IL 60608

For more information please contact the fund manager:

Janet Varnes
312-355-1171
jvarnes@uic.edu

Our Dearest Tanja, Our Dearest Andric’s,

By Cika Rade VukcevichOccasionally the blood of a small nation like ours produces a bold spirit that courses through its arteries replenishing the collective soul of its people. That spirit is like a beacon that lights the way in the sea of human struggles and points a way to our better selves. Such was the child borne of your love, a wondrous gift of the Creative Magnificence delivered into the waiting arms of your family. You loved her beyond limits, yet you were not selfish. You shared her with the rest of us. Thank you. Her name was Tanja.The friendship between our families brought her from your open arms and hearts into our home. She came with love from a family full of love. There is no better way to human unity, human togetherness, human happiness. We saw her as our own; we joyed in her presence, we laughed in her child’s play and we watched her grow into adulthood. In all that time a special spark in her eyes became brighter and brighter as she matured from a child, to a teenager, to a beautiful young lady. The innocent questions that she asked as a child slowly turned into complex inquiries into life, science and philosophy, the answers to which required careful retrospect. That inquisitive spark turned into a glint of perception, and her questions and comments into thuderbolts that disarmed one’s intellect. However, in spite of her great thirst to know more, and in spite of knowing more, she remained humble and mild. Her face was always behind a benevolent smile denying that she knew more than those around her. Such was our Tanja.Now, she is no longer - Unbelievable! Great Emptiness! Huge Loss for All of Us! Can these few words possibly tell of our great sorrow? NEVER, EVER! Words are but poor shadows barely touching our thoughts that are now rending our hearts. We tell ourselves that she is asleep now in the arms of the Creator. That is our solace. Yet in our minds she is still with us. She will always live there as a part of our favorite moment in her company frozen in time.

In Memory of Tanja

By Zoran TerzicWhen I was asked if I could say a few words in Tanja’s memory, the question wasn’t if I would or could, rather it was where do I start. As most or some of you know, we, meaning the Terzic’s and the Andric’s go back a long way, all the way back to and prior to Tanja’s birth. It started with my grandfather and Tanja’s grandfather, Deda Djole, they, being best of friends and neighbors. That friendship continued through my parents, Mila and Sole, and Momo and Sneza. It has manifested itself into a family affair, with me, my wife Angie, and my kids, to Tanja, Naty, and Milan. And now it has come full circle with Milan’s wife Ana and their two beautiful children, Elena and Ivo to my kids……. Christopher, Michael and Maja.You are going to hear that word “family” a lot tonight from me and that is because I feel and know in my heart that we are not “like” family we “are” family. I know Tanja and her family feel the same way as I do.From the beginning when we lived close to each other, first on Avenue J, on the East Side, to both of our families move to Lansing, where just by fate we had the same house number, our families have been in-separable. Through thick and thin we have been at each others sides, through the good times and through the bad times, from Tanja’s car accident through her unbelievable fights with Meningitis, that finally she succumbed to on June 11th 2007.Now I want to say a couple of things about my personal relationship with my Tanji. One of the things that drew me and Tanji close was our sense of humor. I know Tanji would always say to me that I was always able to make her laugh, and when she would come over to my house in Lansing when I first got married, she would be going through tough times and just come over so I could make her laugh. I remember when my first child was born Christopher, whom she affectionately called “pooper”, she would say to me “Zoki, I hope and pray he has your sense of humor”. As hard as things were for Tanji at times, she always depended on me to make her laugh. And here I am today, standing here, not being able to say anything remotely funny or hear my Tanji laugh again.In closing I want to extend my deepest sympathies to my best friends in the whole world, Momo and Sneza, who have, my entire life, stood by me in my bad times and good times and have never wavered their love for me. I stand here today to declare that they will always have me by their side from here to eternity, because some things are meant to be and I believe in my heart, that we, the Terzic’s and Andric’s were meant to be together always.May God give my Tanji eternal peace, that she so richly deserved, but didn’t always get on Earth.

In Memory of: Tanja, my sister

June 18th, 2007By Natasha AndricI have so many memories that will keep Tanja with me always. I am honored to share with you some thoughts and stories so that you might know my sister a little bit better, because there is so much to know. She was always the bravest and strongest one in our family. Today I want to honor her strength and beauty and will try to be strong as she always encouraged me to be.Tanja is and will always be the most precious gift in my life. For me, Tanja is larger than life, she had an indomitable spirit. Her limitless energy and love for life overwhelmed everyone around her, she could work a 12-hour day, read 3 books, play 2 games of volleyball, and bake a cake all in a single day. Despite the difficulties that she faced; surgeries, years of doctors and hospitals, Tanja met every single day with pure determination and conviction.I feel so proud and fortunate to have Tanja as my sister, she was so loving to me every single day. Every birthday I had a beautiful, poetic card written especially for me and she always made me feel like the most special person in the world. And I know that whoever she loved felt the same way. Tanja achieved a lot in her life, throughout high school, college, and later in her professional career Tanja received numerous awards and titles recognizing her brilliance. However, the title that she was most proud of was Tetka (Aunt), to be more accurate SuperTetka (as we nicknamed her.) It seems that her mind was never at rest, as she devoted much of her time looking for new ways of expressing her enormous love toward family and friends, especially Elena and Ivo.Tanja truly cherished people. She never let an important moment pass, she always took the time to make each second count, each word, each action meaningful. My junior year of college I spent a year teaching English to Russian children, I was so homesick and I remember running to the central post office every Sunday to pick up the week’s worth of letters that Tanja had written to me- each one so funny and incredible.I really don’t know anyone who had as many interests as Tanja, she loved so many things in life. She loved science, dancing, sports, arts, horseback riding, books, and good food (ice cream and ketchup, among her favorites.) But most of all she loved learning and teaching. Tanja was always wondering how much, or how much more she could carry in her head. She believed that the mind was a palace, and she dedicated most of her life to building her own. Tanja was an incredible teacher, she was always there to guide and encourage Milan and I in our academic endeavors, with her strong support and inspiration we could accomplish anything.Tanja also had a great sense of humor that would take you off guard, but she was serious about life and knew how to value it. She was fiercely devoted and loyal to her family and friends.Tanja loved a real life, a true life and had no time for false praise or insincere compliments. She was so many things; her complexity was part of her strength. She was deep; she was true; she had been through a lot; she kept going; she gave to others; she didn’t take enough for herself; she was a daughter, aunt, student, and teacher- she was my sister. Because of who she was, her death is not just a loss to my family, to this church, to her work, but also to humanity. Thank you God for Tanja’s life; it was and is a gift to us all.Last night while trying to put pen to paper after the wake, I was going through some of her books and papers and this little picture of Tanja fell out, on the back was written”Dear Naty, Always remember to love life, as I have always loved you”"No matter where I am”"Love, your sis, Tanja”

My Dear Kumica Tanja

By Zorica NedeljkovicIt has changed…It has forever changed…Life will never be the same without you.Never will I see your beautiful smile again.The smile that burst like the brightness of the sun.Never will I hear your beautiful voice again.The voice that would say:”Hey! What’s up Kuma?”"How are you?”Never again will I feel your strong hugs.The hugs that made you feel warm, safe, and Oh so much better.Never again will I be listened to as though what I said mattered…And never will I hear from your lips what really matters.Yet, that is not, what I would hear from you,Dear Tanja The eternal optimist in you would say:”Never say never Kuma”"Things will get better Kuma”"Pray Kuma”I did just that, Tanja, I prayed.I prayed and I thanked God for gracing usWith your presence in our lives. I pray to Godto give to you, my Angel, a place at His sidein Heaven, and for the rest of us, who will miss you, Peace.We will all miss and love you forever…Vecnaja Pamjat my Dear KumicaKuma Zorica and Family

In Honor of Tanja

By Jasmina RistevMy name is Mina Ristev and the Andric family have been my Kumovi for the past 28 years. No one in this room truly understands the loss that this family feels today. We cannot say that Tanja had it easy in life. She was constantly being challenged. Where most people would feel sorrow, Tanja rose above these challenges and lived life to the fullest. She wasn’t afraid to take risks. We could all learn from her example, to appreciate all that is given to us, to take advantage of opportunities that come our way and most importantly to cherish those we love. Tanja was an extraordinary human being. She accepted people for who they were and she was always willing to help those less fortunate. She had an infectious laugh that could make anyone smile. She was very intellectual and analytical and sometimes had to be pried away from her studies.However, no matter how busy Tanja was or how much she had on her plate, she always took time out for family. The people she loved were always her number one priority. For that reason, I truly believe that Tanja was an angel her on earth for each and every one of us. Her purpose here was to love each of us to the fullest and give 100% of herself to enrich our lives. She will truly be missed. Although physically, she is not here with us today, Tanja will live on in our hearts and in our memories. I know that she will continue to be our angel from up above in heaven. Kumovi, on behalf of the Ristev family, we are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We love you and we will always be here for you.Love,Mina Ristev

For Tanja

By Kristina RistevWords cannot in any way be shaped or molded to soften the grief that many of us are feeling today over the loss of our beloved Tanja. To me she was known as Tanjee and she held a very special place in my heart and her passing is no simple loss. She was an angel in every sense of the word; she was caring, giving, honest, selfless, and most of all pure of heart and soul. And every person in her life was personally touched by these extraordinary qualities. We were fortunate to have such an angel with us here on earth but now god has asked that she come home, where she will remain in peace and serenity as she so greatly deserves. And although she has gone Tanja will forever live in our hearts and memories.Love,Tina Ristev

In Remembrance Of Our Tanja

By Natalie ManojlovicTanja Andric meant so much to so many of us, especially to me.She touched our lives with her kindness and generosity. She was always so full of life and so much encouragement and optimism.I vividly remember…almost like it was yesterday…being in eighth grade and looking forward to high school. I got to high school and saw Tanja’s pictures hanging all over Thornwood High School. She was so modest she never said anything about being involved in absolutely everything.Not only was she a top scholar, one of the best and brightest, but she was loved by ALL and involved in every sport and activity you could possibly think of, from speech and debate to volleyball and track.You name it, Tanja did it.Quickly, she became my mentor, my encouragement…someone who I looked up to with great respect and admiration.Since I can remember, she was, and always will be a great friend.I can’t count how many birthdays, slavas, holidays, and events our families spent together and this lead to countless wonderful memories and numerous conversations of encouragement, optimism, and scholarly words of wisdom from Tanja.She always gave hope when the road ahead looked bleak and impassible.Her brilliance and scholarly wisdom helped me not only throughout my schooling, but it helped me to become a better person in life because of the special bond that I shared with Tanja.Because of our beautiful, wonderful, gracious, and amazing Tanja, I am touched more than I could ever express here in words of how she touched my life and my family’s life.Her positive attitude and selfless advice will never be forgotten.She will always live on and hold, in my heart, a very special place as my dear, dear, irreplaceable friend, Tanja.Tanji, you will be greatly missed and no words could ever describe the loss we are facing.Cika Momo, Tetka Sneza, Naty, Milan, Ana, Elena, and Ivo, our thoughts and prayers are with you and with our Tanji and always will be.I know she is now in a better place with God.God Bless our Tanji. We love you so much.May her memory be Eternal.Neka joj Bog podari Rajsko Naselje i neka joj bude Vjecna Ja Pamjat.Love you always,Natalie and George ManojlovicJune 2007

64 Responses

Roy Baril Says:
June 15th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Milan and Family,

A truely tragic loss for you and the world. There never is enough that you can say about the loss of a loved one. Perhaps the best way to emote is to remember all that she gave to the world… the world that revolved around her. Remembering that she did, indeed, make her mark, was loved, gave love, and had a lasting affect on everyone she touched.
Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with you.

Best,

Roy
Kasia & Sala Says:
June 15th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Dear Milan,

It has been a privilege for us to know the Andric family for several years and we always admired how much you loved and cared for each other. Tania was an integral part of your close kinship; always supportive, loving, helpful and thoughtful. We are truly sorry for your loss. She will be missed forever.

In this unbearable time, draw your strength upon your family and friends. Ask for anything.

Please give our condolences to your parents, Nati and Ana.

We love you all very much,
Kasia & Sala
Gui & Guigo Says:
June 16th, 2007 at 12:21 am
Our condolences to Milan and the Andric family;

We are also deeply heart broken. It is hard to believe that such lovely spirit had to leave our presence that soon.

Every time we were around Tanja, the place was filed with a pure and honest feeling; she was truly kind, intelligent and an interesting person to stay with. We miss her…
It was impressive; her dedication for the family and specially Elena and Ivo was admirable.

It is time to be strong and celebrate life; celebrate Tanja’s life. Good bless Tanja and the Andric family.

Sincerely yours;
Gui & Guigo
Donna Marjanovich Says:
June 16th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Mere words cannot convey the sadness we feel at the loss of Tanja. She was simply an amazing girl who had such great strength, kindness, determination and spirit. May God give the Andric family the strength to carry on and to get you through this extremely sad time. As the late Bishop Iriney said, God only picks the most beautiful flowers for his garden. He has certainly picked an extraodinary one this time.

May Tanja’s memory be eternal. Vecnaja Pamjat.
Mica,Bobi and Marko Jovanovic Says:
June 16th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Dear Sneza and Momo
The world has lost a great person.Words can not express the sadness we feel.We know Tanja loved and respected Nature a great deal and we hope that following poem gives you comfort knowing that Tanja’s spirit will always be with you and all of us her friends who loved her.

DO NOT STAND BY MY GRAVE AND WEEP.
I AM NOT THERE.
I DO NOT SLEEP.
MY SOUL IS SET FREE.
MY BODY ONLY HOUSED MY SPIRIT …..
AND I LEFT IT .
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW.
I AM A DIAMOND GLINT ON THE SNOW .
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPEND GRAIN.
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN .
WHEN YOU AWAKE IN THE MORNING HUSH,
I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH
OF QUIET BIRDS CIRCLING IN FLIGHT.
I AM THE SOFT STARSHINE AT NIGHT.
DO NOT STAND BY MY GRAVE AND CRY
I AM NOT THERE …… I DID NOT DIE .
Katie & John Says:
June 16th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
John and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Andric Family. We are so sorry for your loss.

As I have been thinking about Tanja the past few days, I remember her strong sense of self, her depth and her absolute integrity. I have also been thinking about how much fun we had dancing! at Milan’s wedding, at Lou Conte’s school for dance and at my wedding last August…so much JOY!

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We love your family dearly. Love, Katie & John.
Rob Gunnison Says:
June 16th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Milan is our window in Berkeley into your lives and your loss leaves us saddened beyond words. The story of Tanja’s life here makes the loss all the more tragic.
MaryAnn Says:
June 16th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
My condolences to the Andric family. I am very sorry for your loss. Tanja sat next to me at Bristol Myers Squibb. Although I did not know her well, I do remember her laughter.

She will be missed.

MaryAnn
Mile Cikara Says:
June 16th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Andric Family,

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the entire family, upon hearing this very sad news. I was glad to see her during my recent trip back to Chicago and she will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Love, mile
The Ristev and Nicholas Family Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Tanja touched each of us with her special gifts of kindness, intelligence, empathy and warmth. She truly made everyone feel important which we know came from her beautiful parents, Snezana and Momcilo. We all feel she was an angel here on earth to her family and friends and now she is needed in heaven. We will all be together with her again one day but until then, she will always live on in our hearts.

Our deepest condolences,

Mike, Gordana, Jasmina and Kristina Ristev; Jack, Sonja, Johnny, Ally and Michael Nicholas.
Tina (Nakamura) Wachel Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I was very saddened to hear about Tanja, though we had not been in touch for sometime she always had a special place in my heart. We were best friends in junior high school and I’ll never forget her. We laughed all the time and I have a lot of fond memories of her. I ran into her a couple of years ago at a mutual friend’s birthday party and we talked about getting together for coffee to catch up and I regret that I never followed up with that. My sincerest condolences to her family and she will definitely remain close to me in my heart.
Anonymous Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
nasa tanja

,mozda spava sa ocima izvan svakog zla,izvan stvari, iluzija,izvan zivota,i s njom spava nevidjena,njena lepota mozda zivi i doci ce posle ovog sna.mozda spava sa ocimaizvan svakog zla.,,dis
.ostavila si sirok ljudski tag koji nikad nece izblsdeti.dusa ti je bila kao majska meseceva svetlost. neka ti je vecna hvala i slava dragica i stanisa aleksic beograd
dragica Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
dragi andrici
iako smo daleko zajedno smo sa vama u tuzi i bolu .smrt ne moze da

prekine vezu satkanu od ljubavi.voljeni nikad ne .umiru dragica i stanisa beograd
PATTY CHIOROS AND FAMILY Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE ANDRIC FAMILY. I HAVE ONLY MET TANJA A COUPLE OF TIMES. MY FIRST IMPRESSION WAS, WHAT A GREAT PERSON. YOU COULD TELL SHE WAS FULL OF LIFE. HER SMILE JUST SAID IT ALL. YOU HAVE RAISED AN INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. TANJA’S MEMORIES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, NOR WILL HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
GEORGE, PATTY, AND SONS
Sandy Everett Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 6:47 am
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die…” John 11:25-26.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Tanja will truly be missed by all of her colleagues and friends here at Bristol Myers Squibb Company. May God provide you all with healing and mercy as you grieve Tanja’s “homecoming”. Always remember that she is now in “paradise” with the Father!

God Bless you all.

Sandy Everett
Mary (Klimek) Caskey Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 7:29 am
I have truly been blessed to have known Tanja and her Dear family. Through high school and college, Tanja was such a source of inspiration to me. Her love of her family, her strong sense of herself and her multitude of accomplishments made her my personal hero. She left such a rare positive influence on all the hearts she touched and I believe anyone who has crossed her path in her short life will never forget her. There is only one “Tanja”. Even though 18+ years have passed, my family still thinks of her with love and laughter for that is what she always brought to the table. On a recent visit to my Uncle’s (who lives on Australia), he even asked about her (and had not seen her since 1990) and said she was such a unique, honest and special person. She was the best and my life is better because I had known her. To the Andric family: thank you for letting me be a small part of Tanja’s life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bozidar Aleksic Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 7:40 am
Porodici Andric,
Iskreno saucestvujemo u Vasem bolu i tuzi povodom ovog tragicnog dogadjaja
Boza i Maja
Kathryn Berkowicz Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Dear Andric Family:

I was so stunned and saddened to see Tanja’s obituary in The Times. I was one of Tanja’s teachers at Memorial Junior High School in Lansing when she was in the Gifted Program. I remember her as a “star” in our Future Problem Solving Program as we went on to state competition. In fact, Mrs. Andric, you drove us to the competition downstate. Tanja was my daughter’s age and so I empathize even more with your horrific, tragic loss. It is a loss not only for all of Tanja’s wonderful family and friends but for the world as well. We have all lost a treasure with so much more to give.
We cannot understand why this had to happen but we have to believe that Tanja’s spirit and love will live on in this world as she is enjoying the wonder, beauty and love of the next world.
Please know that you are all in my prayers. God be with you…

Sincerely yours in sympathy and remembrance,

Kathy Berkowicz
Retired Memorial Junior High School Learning Center Director and Former Gifted Program Teacher
Porodice Glisovic i Simovic Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Dragi nasi Andrici,
nemamo reci utehe za gubitak Tanje.
Tako briljantna osoba ce zauvek ostaviti prazninu u nasim dusama.
Znajte da smo sa Vama.
Aleksandra, Slavica, Buca, Milan i Dule iz Kraljeva
Pusara/Kloth Family Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Snezana and Family -

Our most sincere condolences upon the sudden loss of your beloved Tanja. Though we did not have the opportunity to know Tanja, we can see that she was a beautiful and loving individual.

May the Lord bless you all in this most difficult time, and may he grant you all faith and strength in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Keep close to your hearts the beautiful memories, and always remember that one day you will all be reunited again.

God Bless her soul in his Kingdom and may her Memory Be Eternal!
The Pantovic Family Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 10:21 am
To the Andric Family,

Please accept our deepest condolences! Our family was saddened by Tanja’s untimely death. Tanja was a very classy young lady. It pains me to see that the Serbian community has lost another young star in its dwindling galaxy. There aren’t any magic words to help ease your pain; at least I haven’t heard them yet. All you can do is take comfort in the respect and admiration that your daughter earned during her short time on Earth, and know that you raised an intelligent, thoughtful, and proud young lady. I know that right now she has at least one good friend who will make sure that she is safe.
Vecnaja Pamjat.

The Pantovic Family
Austin, TX.
Daisy Knezevich-Weiner Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
To the Andric family,

I was so saddened when I learned the news of Tanja. I cannot find the words to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I remember Tanja as being very sweet and kind. She will be deeply missed. You raised a beautiful and wonderful child. I know there are no words that will ease your pain. May God and her memories give you the strength to go on. Please know that my family is here for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless her soul and your family.

Daisy, Fred and Dylan
Aleks and Nancy Tomic Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
TO the Andric Family,

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Tanja. I remember growing up on the East Side together and playing whenever my mom and I went to your house for haircuts and then dancing in the folkore group together and hanging out at the Hinich’s. Although we didn’t see much of each other the past few years, whenever we did run into each other we always had the best time talking and catching up. I always had a deep admiration for Tanja. She amazed me with her intelligence, her drive and ambition, her sense of humor and most of all with her huge capacity to love.

Aleks met her when he and I got married and the two of them really shared a special connection. Like me, he saw Tanja as an amazing individual. We realize that nothing can take the pain away..but be comforted knowing that she is in a better place…where this is no pain, illness or sorrow. Everyone knows she was very protective of her family and friends and she will continue to be as she watches over all those who she loved. She touched everyone who knew her and all of our lives are better for having known her. May she rest in eternal peace and may God Bless all of you.

Vecnaja Pamjat.

All of our Love,
Aleks, Nancy and Tatiana Tomic
Ranko & Xenia Gavrilovic Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Dear Andric Family,

We are deeply saddened by the news of Tanja’s passing. This indeed came as a shock to us.
We will miss Tanja; she touched so many of our lives in so many ways. Tanja will be greatly missed.
Our heartfelt condolences, love and support will always be there for your family.

Ranko & Xenia Gavrilovic
Joanne Straley Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Dear Milan,

I am so sorry for your loss. As illustrated here, your sister is a beautiful person. I hope time passes quickly for you and that it does its job of lessening your grief.

My best to you,
Joanne
Anonymous Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Iskrala se iskra iz tvoga oka
Pokazala mi sta je svetlost prava.
Oci su zaspale,
Ali svetlost jos uvek obasjava celu vasionu.

Otkucalo je srce
Pesmu hriscanske ljubavi.
Pesma je prestala,
Ali ljubav jos uvek uci covecanstvo da voli.

Borila se dusa
U surovom svetu.
Borba je prestala,
Ali me je tvoja snaga ucinila hrabrijom i jacom.

Posmatram nebo
I novu sjajnu zvezdu.
Namignem joj tajno,
Jer je iskra sto se iskrala iz tvoga oka.
Sonja Kovacevich Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 6:43 am
Dearest Andric Family,

Tanja was truly a remarkable person; her love, kindness and strength touched us all. She will always be in my thoughts, prayers and heart.

My heartfelt condolences to you all. God Bless You.
Love Sonja
Amoolya Singh Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Dear Andric family,

I met Tanja through my long friendship with Milan in Berkeley. Tanja and I had wonderful conversations over email and in person, and perhaps connected quickly since we are both women in science from immigrant families. I was struck by her determination and grace and directness, the way she carried herself with a sense of humour and awareness, totally absent of the cynicism that sometimes accompanies difficult life struggles. I cannot even begin to express how shocked and saddened I was to hear the news of her passing. I know you have lost a precious sister and daughter, but the story of her life continues, and I know she will be a role model and mentor for many young people. On that note, I am including a poem of celebration for Tanja and her accomplishments. May her memory live on.

with love

Dr Amoolya Singh
Berkeley, California / Heidelberg, Germany

_When Death Comes_

When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn;
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse

to buy me, and snaps the purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle-pox

when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,

I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering:
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?

And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,

and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,

and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,

and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.

When it’s over, I want to say all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.

When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.

I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.

I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.

–Mary Oliver
Mollie Leoni Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 7:48 am
Tanja grew to mean more to me in the short time we worked together than most people do after years of friendship. We said many times how amazing it was to have a friend at work, rather than to just be friendly with our co-workers. Her honesty, strength, and amazing ability to see the true person behind their facade drew me to her. Her laugh and humor kept me company. The complexities of her thoughts kept me on my toes. Her existence made me happy and I am a better person for having known her. I miss my friend very much. She is loved, she is missed, and she will be remembered. I hope that knowledge can help to carry some of her family’s pain during this impossible time.

With my greatest thanks to you for having shared her with me and my deepest sympathies for this most profound loss, Mollie
Ante & Ancica Kasalo Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Dear Andric Family,

We are deeply saddened by the loss of your beautiful daughter Tanja. She was a bright, graceful and strong young woman whose determination is an inspiration to those who knew her well..and those who heard of her.

The loss you feel is certainly unquenchable by words. However, you should know that true angels, such as Tanja, never cease to exist.

With Love,
Ante & Ancica Kasalo
Mijailovic Family Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
~The Dash~

I read of a man who stood to speak
At a funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And he spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

-Linda Ellis

Our sincerest condolences to your entire family. Tanja’s love, loyalty, & success will not soon be forgotten.

Miroslav, Mirjana, Suzana, & Jasmina Mijailovic
Azra Raza Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
In Memoriam: Tanja, my friend.

June 16, 2007

We did not know it, but my friend Tanja’s time on this earth was limited. It is as if she knew it. She did not waste it living someone else’s life. Sometimes we felt that her behavior was odd. Only too aware of the menace lurking beneath tranquility, Tanja’s breakdowns were not a sign of oddness but rather a sensitive person’s quite sane response to the darkness and cruelties of life. Tanja was not trapped into living with other people’s thinking and she certainly did not let the noise of their opinions crush her own and very original voice. She was unique in every way, and I consider it a privilege and an honor to have known her. The most admirable thing to me about Tanja was that she did everything her way. She had the courage to follow her heart and her intuition. In our individual lives, though the years are sad, the days have a way of being jubilant. Tanja made hers meaningful in the grandest manner possible; through giving unconditional love to family and friends alike. In her short story “The Fullness of Life,” Edith Wharton wrote that a woman’s life is like “a great house full of rooms,” most of which remain unseen: “and in the innermost room, the holy of holies, the soul sits alone and waits for a footstep that never comes.” My Tanja’s real life ended in that posture of waiting. Those of us who knew Tanja and loved her have spent the last several days asking ourselves why? Why did so much suffering have to be parceled out to one individual? Tanja never even bothered to ask. She just kept on going.

Their’s not to make reply,
Their’s not to reason why,
Their’s but to do and die.

Azra Raza, MD
Gladys Smith Martin Professor of Oncology
Professor of Medicine
Chief, Division of Hematology
Kumic Milan Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Dear Tanja,
I need to thank you again for all of your support during the most difficult time of my life three years ago. You and Naty took me in as your own and provided me with a loving family and shelter that I cannot thank you enough for. I am so inspired by your drive for life and your devotion to your work. I will miss our chili cheese dip nights when you, Naty and I would eat the entire bowl of that stuff. I will always remember how you tutored me in Math when I was younger and unwilling to learn because I was too busy wanting to play outside and have fun. You of course saw this and took me to Dairy Queen and treated me to a sundae even though I did not earn it. You spoiled me so much.
In the days since your passing I have been angry with God but I’ve also been happy with him because I have learned that my selfish need to have you here on this earth with us is not something that cannot be fulfilled. God needed you for a bigger purpose and just could not keep you here on this earth any longer. I know that we have all gained an angel in the loss of the human being that we have grown to love here on earth. My Kuma Sneza and my Kum Momo are wonderful people who I pray will be comforted by God’s love and my Kuma Naty is the greatest person that I have known and will now carry the weight of the love that you gave to little Elena and Ivan. You gave hope, you gave love, and ultimately gave everything of yourself for the people that you touched. I will miss you. I cannot express my gratitude enough to you but I would like to say that I love you and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kumic Milan
Stevan & Lilly Says:
June 20th, 2007 at 3:28 am
The Other Side

What will one day
Become of us
We’ll grow as grass under their feet
No one here will ever know your name
And you still lie here next to me

If it takes another life
I’ll wait for you
On the other side
Everything that comes to me
As good
Belongs to you
I’ll count our blessings as I
Wait for you
On the other side
Good luck and I will see you through

Get used to this
You’re going to be alright
The world goes on with or without me
If I don’t ever leave a thing behind
I’ll still leave you without me

If it takes another life
I’ll wait for you
On the other side
Everything that comes to me
As good
Belongs to you
I’ll count our blessings as I
Wait for you
On the other side
Good luck and I will see you through
Tanja&Vanja Albunovic Says:
June 20th, 2007 at 6:04 am
Dear Natasa,

We would like that this note was never needed to be written to you by our side. Our deepest condolences for the sudden death of your dear sister Tanja.Life is a miracle and a death is a part of life. We love you and will always be your closest friends in good times and in time of sorrow.
Darlene Fuente Says:
June 20th, 2007 at 11:29 am
To the Andric family,

I am saddened by this news of Tanja’s passing. I worked with Tanja at Baxter and she was not only a co-worker but a good friend. There was many a late nights working, talking to each other, once-in-while giving her a ride to the train station. You described her very well and that was the Tanja I knew. Her love for her family and nieces and nephews were a big part of her life. Her intelligence challenged many and she would not follow the crowd and stood up for her beliefs. My prayers are with you. May God give you comfort during these times.

Tanja’s co-worker and friend,
Darlene
Gomes Family Says:
June 21st, 2007 at 6:08 am
Andric Family:

We´re sharing with all of you the pain and the sadness that you´re suffering. God is our Father and now Tanja is with Him forever.

With our deepest regret.

Roberto, Marly, Miriam, Clea, Luiz and Paulo
Nedja Tomicic Says:
June 22nd, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Our dear Andrici,
First of all our deepest condolences to you. Even though so many of us will be loving you, empathizing with you, and trying to help every step of the way, deep down we know that this is a Cross you have been chosen to bear and we can only hold it up a little bit.

Tanja’s passing, though,profoundly enlightens us about the undescribale family feeling we have within the Serbian community, especially the St. Simeon South Chicago family. Families far and wide who knew Tanja personally, who knew someone Tanja knew, who just knew of Tanja have been saddened to the depths of their heart and soul, just like they lost someone of their dearest, immediate family. In the midst of working or going about my daily chores, the floodgates will open and I grieve for you and the other families who had to let their children go.

I empathise with the Pantovic Family who say there aren’t any magic words that they’ve heard to help ease their pain. I believe that but all I can say is we care and we love you. I hope God gives you strength to live in a way that will celebrate Tanja’s life. Tanja achieved soooo much in such a short time and it is our duty to pass that on. She would be proud and probably humbled by all the wonderful things that have been said about the way she lived her “dash”. I never really knew the Pantovic family but I have cried endless tears thinking about their son and how he marked his “dash”. It has been pure magic to me to marvel at how connected we Serbs are because here was someone I never even met yet I keep talking to people about his life and the way that he enriched everyone’s world. His body is gone but his spirit lives in those he knew and even in those he did not know. Pano lived his dash in a way that made a big impact and the story of his life and his personality keeps repeating. The Pantovic Family writes that the Serbian community has lost another young star in its dwindling galaxy. Coping with their unbelievable loss, I can empathise with that. From another angle, though, I feel that the Serbian community has put another star into the galaxy to shine FOREVER bright. Pano and Tanja and Milica and Dr. Alavanja, departing this World in a cluster as they did, created a mini-galaxy that no one can help but notice. I believe they were the chosen for they, thru their own making and thru the special loving and honorable position their families hold in the community, can make the greatest impact. All of them individually and collectively left so much for us to reflect on and appreciate. While the pain is intense, especially for you, the meaning is profound for us. When my tata died, my then-12-year-old Pero said something that stuck with me and comes to my mind time-and-time again, especially at times like this where I feel I lost someone that touched me so deeply. He said, “When someone we love passes away, they become part of OUR soul.” When you think about it, all of their greatest qualities are forever in our heart and soul and we find ourselves living out those qualities and passing them along, spreading them throught the world to make it a better world. Our dear Tanja had so many great qualities that will live on and be passed on thru the millions of people she impacted directly and indirectly.

This collection of thoughts and expressions of sympathy I read at this website are just a start. Between her family, kumovi and friends and others Tanja inspired, we could easily write a best-selling motivational book.

My family and I will forever be grateful to Tanja for the loving connection she made with Milena as a Gracanica camp counselor, thereafter personally sealing the love that started with my driving my mama Vida Paic to get a haircut by Sneza and continuing for decades as our lives were interwoven thru the St. Simeon connection of families and church events. We are blessed beyond explanation by the Serbian way of life that the Andric family perpetuated, with the folklore and church participation.

Vjecnaja Pamjat to our dear Tanja and prayers for comfort to our prijatelji Andrici and their family and Kumovi
Liljana Krasulja Says:
June 23rd, 2007 at 8:45 am
To the Andric Family:

Tanja was truly a remarkable person and friend, who I will miss terribly. She was intelligent, confident and very caring. She had special love for her nephew and niece, and enjoyed talking about them.

I was blessed to have known her and she will always be remembered.

Lily
John & Pamela Heskett Says:
June 28th, 2007 at 8:21 am
The news of Tanja’s death must be a cause of profound sorrow for all who knew her, it certainly was for Pamela and I. She was a rare young woman who had suffered much but through the pain developed a sense of the value of life and of a firm set of values in living her life. Her hunger for knowledge and understanding was deeply impressive and we always had the feeling in conversation of our words and meanings being absorbed and evaluated. She could be fun, but never trivial. In a world that sometimes creates a feeling of despair at the stupidity and brutality of so many people, Tanja was a force for good in her commitment to meaning and understanding. She kept in touch with us, often talked of coming to visit us in China and we told her she would be welcome at any time. Sadly, however, it won’t happen now. What we are left with is a deep sense of loss, but the memory of a brave and good person.

We send our heartfelt sympathy to you and you family,

Pamela and John
Rich and Kathy Engelsman Says:
June 30th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time…Tanja’s passing teaches us all that life is short, and needs to be lived to its fullest! After reading about her life we hve a greater appreciation for the life she lived. It was a life rich with the love of family, friends, and values that were deep and pure…This is so rare in the world in which we live! She was truly blessed…Tanja will be missed by her “Trevi” family…May the love of God surround your family, and bring you peace…
Rick Mishler & family Says:
July 1st, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I doubt much is registering right now for you or your family, but I want to say I really feel lucky to have known Tanja. I will always be inspired by her knowledge and truthfulness. I hope my family is capable of the support you all have given each other. The strength of your family is a model for the one I want to have.

I don’t know any words that can fully express my sorrow for your parents, you and your brother.
Sergey Popov Says:
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:56 am
My deepest condolences; words are of little help here. I am not a religious person, but sometimes I feel Tanja’s spirit around in the laboratory, watching over all creatures - from frogs to men.

Sergey Popov, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics
Brandi Bennett Says:
July 5th, 2007 at 7:49 am
Andric Family

Shortly after I met Natasha in college, Tanja became my “big sister” as well. Even though she was only a year older than me, she was always protective, encouraging and caring. I can hear her giggle, I can see her dance, and I know she loved her family and friends. It’s not often that you meet someone with such purity and compassion. She’ll be greatly missed.

Your family is in my thoughts and in my heart.

Brandi
karen abad Says:
July 6th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Dear Milan, Ana and family,

It is truly hard and sad to hear this tragedy, losing someone, someone close, present in all moments. I am really sorry for your loss and know, as I have lost my dad less than two months ago, the horrible and endless pain you’re all feeling.
It is a big hole inside our hearts that accopanies us in the mornings, afternoons and nights… when everything is silent and we cannot stop thinking of the person who has always made a HUGE difference in our world.
The only thing that at times make my pain a little bit softer is to think of the most precious and adorable moments we’ve lived and shared together, as friends, family and confidents.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I truly wish to be closer to all of you and offer my shoulder in this difficult moment you all have to go through.
If you need anything, anything at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch and just say the word.

All my love,

Karen and Christian Abad
Denise Kangrga Says:
July 9th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Although I did not know Tanja well, the news of her passing still lingers in my mind. Perhaps because she was my age, or I sympathize as a sister and now a mother. I don’t know, but I felt compelled to write. Even though I did not know Tanja, I remember always seeing The Andric’s at 114th Folkfest performances and zabavas in South Chicago and Indiana. Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your daughter and sister. From the words left by those who knew her, she was obviously a woman of grace, intellect, and had a passionate lust for life. May God grant you peace during this difficult time, and may Tanja’s memory forever be eternal. Vjecnaja Pamjat.
Candace & Gary Drimmer Says:
July 11th, 2007 at 11:55 am
So very sorry for the world’s loss of such a lovely, loving young woman. Our love and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times–and if we can do more, please just ask of us what you need.
Maria Vukcevich Says:
July 16th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Dear Cika Momo, Teta Sneza, Naty, and Milan,
My deepest condolences for the loss you have had to endure. Tanja was a beautiful person on the inside and out and will always have a place in my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Much Love,
Marija
Meena Rao Says:
July 19th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Dear Andric Family:
My deepest sympathies and condolences at the loss of your precious daughter, sister, aunt and our friend. Tanja was a loving and caring person with a kind word for all. I had the privilege of teaching her in a few classes and of many encounters with her in the hallway. Her legacy will live on and may all the wonderful memories you have of her help you sustain this great loss.

Meena Rao
Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics
University of Illinois at Chicago
Aurora Shehu Says:
July 19th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Tanja and I were classmates, starting our graduate studies in 2001 at University of Illinois at Chicago. We would stay up late at night, she with her frogs, and I with my DNA experiments. We made dry jokes, considering it was midnight when they were made. For us, they were great jokes. We would share food, frustrations, laughs and try to study for the final exams, all at the same time. I am not sure how much we studied but somehow we passed all our exams.

I just learned of you passing away and I felt a knife in my heart. Tanja, please know that you touched my life in unimaginable ways and you are up in heaven smilingly watching us. Thank you for being here and giving me the opportunity to get to know you.
Sasa i Suzi Budimir Says:
July 20th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Primite nase iskreno sucesce povodom ovog tragicnog dogadjaja.
Randal C. Jaffe Says:
July 23rd, 2007 at 9:22 am
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I learned of this a while ago but it has taken me this long to compose myself and my thoughts enough to write. Tanja was a marvelous person. She was in a few of my classes and was a top notch student. She carried out her lab work right next door to my lab so we often had a chance to interact. I was very honored when she asked me to write several letter of recommendation for her. She will be missed.
Andrey Says:
July 23rd, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Таня, пусть земля тебе будет пухом…
Amy Vukcevich Says:
July 24th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Dear Cika Momo, Teta Sneza, Natty and Milan,

I was the smallest and youngest of our group and Tanja was the oldest and the tallest. I always looked up to her as a child seeking direction and instruction. Later, as an adult, I still looked up to her awed at her achievements and happy that I was her friend. She, on the other hand, was always ready with a smile and a hug. I liked that hug. It made me feel warm and wanted. She is gone now, but I will always look up. I will miss those hugs, dearest Tanja.
Mirjana Vukcevich Says:
July 24th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Our Dearest Friends,

I grieve with you for your loss. I loved your child as she were a part of my own family. We were very close and very dear to each other. She grew up in front of my eyes, and I loved her. She was special to all of us. We will miss her sorely and will remember her forever. May she rest in peace in God’s arms.
Jesús García Says:
September 5th, 2007 at 9:37 am
To the Andric Family,

It is with my deepest sympathy that I am writing to express how sad we felt when we heard the unfortunate news about Tanja. I interacted with Tanja when she was in our master’s program. She was very dedicated to her studies, smart, and driven. I know she is irreplaceable and that she will be terribly missed.

Jesús García
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
University of Illinois at Chicago
Mina Ristev Says:
October 3rd, 2007 at 6:59 am
Tanja,

I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. We would give anything to have you here today. We miss you.

Love,

Mina
Nedja Tomicic Says:
June 11th, 2008 at 2:00 am
As the 1st anniversary of Tanja’s passing rolls around, I ponder for what seems like the millionth time at the difficulty of coming to accept such trauma. Tata, mama, brate, sestro, kumovi pokojne Tanje uvek ste u mojim mislima i molitvama. Sneza i Momo cesto ste mi pred ocima i suosjecam vas bol ali znam da nemogu ni pomisliti kako vam je. To samo zna onaj ko je kroz takav rastanak prosao. Randy Pausch, the Professor at Carnage-Mellon who is dying of pancreatic cancer, recently gave a graduation speech in which he said that people have commented whether he will beat the reaper. He says no one can beat the reaper by living longer… it will claim everyone. You can only beat the reaper by living well. We can all take comfort that Tanja lived well. He goes on to say that everyone needs to find their passion. It appears Tanja had that in abundance. We can all agree with Randy that passion is grounded in people and the relationships with them..not in things or money. Tanja lived by that measure of passion. She will never ever be forgotten. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice in giving us an angel to remind us of the value of living life well.. of reminding us not to complain about little things. Nothing can compare to the pain of parents losing a child… of a father standing by the casket on Fathers Day.. of a whole family see-sawing between the joy of having raised such a wonderful person and the pain of not having that person to have and to hold and hug every day. Our dear Andrich family, we love you and pray for you constantly. We cannot take away your pain but believe me, sooooo many of us have shed many tears this past year in silent empathy and hope that you know how much we care and that it can somehow make it easier for you. Our prayers continue with you while we carry the image of Tanja and the inspiration she provided in life on Earth and in this eternal life.
Nicole Wright Says:
June 11th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Dear Tanja,

It has been 1 year today, and you are still sadly missed.
I hope you are in heaven where there is only happiness, and no pain.

Love your officemate,
Nicole
Rako Polugic Stubal Says:
February 27th, 2009 at 3:12 am
Mina pozdrav od ujka …
Kuma Gordana & Mina Says:
June 11th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Tanja,

You live on in our hearts and memories. We miss you very much. We hope you are in a place of peace, love and tranquility watching over us from up above. We love you!

Love,

Kuma Gordana & Mina Boruta
Anonymous Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Dear Tetka T,

You keep watching over us, and we keep growing beautifully, healthy and smart. We both have a little bit of you in our ways and our talents. We wanted to give you a big hug and kisses - we know we will always be blessed with your love and protection beyond measure!!

Beijos, beijos, beijos,

Elena and Ivo.
Elena and Ivo and Ana Says:
June 11th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Beijos, Teka T - we love you forever.
Anonymous Says:
October 3rd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Thinking about you today…
Love and kisses,
Ana, Elena and Ivo

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Forever in loving memory.