Ina Zaninovich

1931 - 2024

INA ZANINOVICH

January 7, 1931 - September 17, 2024

Ina Burich Zaninovich of Earlimart, California was born on January 7, 1931 and passed away on September 17, 2024 in Delano, California. She was born on the island of Vis in the town of Komiza, Croatia. She was the daughter of Nikola and Perina Burich.

Ina had an extraordinary life and journey. She and her family had to evacuate the island during WWII, and found themselves relocated to Egypt in a refugee camp where they spent three years. After the war, the family was sponsored by her uncle to immigrate to San Pedro, California. Via this journey, they landed in New York and took a train to California in 1946.

Ina attended high school in San Pedro and met the love of her life shortly after, Vincent Zaninovich. The couple married in 1950 and established their life in Earlimart, California where they started farming table grapes. Ina had a very close knit group of Croatian ladies that she bonded with and became lifelong friends. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and playing bingo, but most of all she adored her husband and three boys.

Ina loved traveling with her husband Vincent and making beautiful memories; they especially loved to go back to their home country Croatia. One of Ina's greatest passions was listening to the music of Engelbert Humperdinck, in fact, her sons accompanied her to many concerts; this was such a thrill for her. In addition, she loved Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Tom Jones. Her love for classic movies was displayed on a daily basis, it might be Casablanca, Titanic, The Sound of Music or Anchors Aweigh. She was also a soap opera enthusiast.

Ina's memory was sharp all the way to the end. In her later years, she loved recounting stories of her life whether it be with cousins, friends or inspiring the next generation. She will be remembered for her light and positivity, and her warmth that touched the hearts of many.

Ina was preceded in death by her husband Vincent, and son George Zaninovich. She is survived by her loving sons Al Zaninovich and Nick Zaninovich (Jenifer), her brother John Burich, grandchildren Kara Zaninovich, Jewelee Zaninovich, and Andre Zaninovich, and three very special people, Conrad Winkler, Calvin Winkler, and Remington Leonard, as well as four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Ina will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Delano on Monday, September 30, 2024. Viewing at 8-9am Rosary at 9am, and Mass at 10am. There will be an Interment at Delano Cemetery and a wake to follow at Delano Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Ina Zaninovich to the American Slavonic Social Club in Delano.

www.bakersfield.com/obits