Zorka Simnjanovski's Obituary
Zorka (Zora) Simnjanovski was born on September 8, 1954 in Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic). She ascended into heaven, peacefully, on July 24, 2020 at 10:00am holding the hands of her husband, Djoko and son, Riste, after suffering cardiac arrest on the evening of July 23, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rade and Stojna, brothers, Blago, Mitko and Vanco, and youngest son, Brian. Zorka is survived by her husband, Djoko, son, Riste, daughter-in-law, Lauren and grandson, Uriah.
Her parents, Rade Nikolich and Stojna Nikolik, had 4 children: Blago, Mitko, Vanco and Zorka. Zorka moved to the United States in her late teens and met Djoko, her husband of 45 years, after a trip back to Yugoslavia. Zorka worked a variety of jobs as a child caretaker for close family (Mirjana and Spaso and their wonderful children), a factory worker, and in the grocery industry with Nelson’s Market (a family-owned grocery store) and Ralphs. She worked at Ralphs for several decades and would often come home joyous about having the opportunity to work in a place where, “…all her friends came to see her each week.” It was a regular occurrence to see Ralphs customers waiting in line for Zorka while other lines remained open. Rumor has it that often customers would reply, after being asked if they would like to move to an open line, “…I’ll wait for Zorka, thank you.”
Her friends were not only of Slavic descent, but also neighbors, church friends, community members, family and customers whom she developed deep and meaningful relationships.
When Zorka came to the United States, one of her first “American” friends was Debbie. They worked together at Nelson’s Market, nearly 50 years ago. Zorka had three brothers and would refer to Debbie as “her sister” to those she met when together, and especially when introducing Debbie to her family from back home. Zorka will be remembered as having accepted Debbie into her own family, and for sharing stories of their children and grandchildren as they navigated life together.
Zorka loved to cook, specifically bake. She, and her close friend, Trpana, would share recipes, cook or bake elaborate and traditional dishes, and share stories of their children and grandchildren. The two women were known to not only have been the best of friends but also to have been kind to others. Zorka enjoyed helping those in need and was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sibling, grandmother, and friend.
Life will be difficult to imagine without Zorka. One example of this is with Stefan, Vesna and their children. They, as many others will as well, recall fond memories of Zorka being there for every celebration (birthdays and graduations), but also there during the most difficult of times. Zorka was genuine in her care, compassion, and empathy for others. This was illustrated by anyone who stopped by (unannounced) to visit her while at home. Within a few minutes, she could whip up a complete meal with desserts…with a caveat of, “…I’m trying this recipe out, tell me what you think.” Alexander (their son) would say, “I don’t want to eat too much for dinner because I know Zora will have something really good to eat and I want to have room.” Their running joke was that Alexander wanted her as his private chef when she retired.
Zorka loved her family. She admired and respected her husband, Djoko, and worked to help him build two successful businesses during their decades together. After working long hours, Zorka was known to come home and assist with the business’s payroll; she was remarkable in all she did. The two were an inseparable pair in all aspects of life. The two tended to an elaborate garden that they had cultivated annually (some sections included heirloom seeds/plants which spanned generations).
She met the love of her life, Djoko Simnjanovski, by chance at an event in a local village while in their early twenties. The story goes that Djoko knew that, “…she was the one.” Several days later, after running into one another, on several occasions (Note: this may have been more of Djoko’s planning than pure coincidence), Djoko brought Zorka to meet Mara, Djoko’s mother. Mara, who was known not to allow girls into the home, immediately hugged Zorka and said to her, “…you are my daughter-in-law.” Several days later, the three of them took a train into the city to select a ring, and the two were subsequently married. Zorka accepted Lauren, as her daughter-in-law, in the same way, several decades later.
Zorka traveled back to the United States while Djoko stayed in Yugoslavia to complete the appropriate paperwork. They wrote letters to one another while apart. Djoko described this time as, “…the only time we’ve ever been apart for more than a day during our marriage.” Djoko and Zorka had a deep and profound love for one another. Additionally, they took pride in their adopted home country of the United States and were thrilled when they became citizens.
While in the United States, Zorka and Djoko had two sons, Riste and Brian. Her children enjoyed a fantastic childhood, which was surrounded by loving and hardworking parents. The home environment she and Djoko built was one without entitlement or extravagant gifts, but rather, a home rooted in hard work, discipline, and a deep love of God. She taught her children to work hard, treat others better than they wished to be treated, and to put more into the world than they took out.
One of her favorite memories, after the passing of her son, Brian, was hearing the news that she would be a grandmother (“Baba” in Macedonian). Zorka and Lauren spent many hours in the kitchen together and loved sharing stories of, “…what Riste and Brian were like as kids” and comparing them to Uriah. Zorka accepted and loved Lauren as her own daughter. Lauren sought her for advice, wisdom, and recipes.
She was a blessing to everyone that knew her and she was a treasure to those that she loved and cared for.
She will be greatly missed; however, her memory to all that she touched with her kindness, love, and empathy will live on for generations.
Thank you for taking the time to remember Zorka, if you’re reading this, rest easy in knowing that she loved you too.
If you have images or stories you would like to share, you can email them to her son, Riste at: [email protected]
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