Marie Zabich

Marie Klarich Zabich passed away peacefully at 101.5 years of age, surrounded by loved ones at home on August 27, 2025. Loving wife of the late Russell/Rusko Zabich; beloved mother of Diane (Rand Ekman); dearest Baba of Oscar and Sasha; devoted aunt of Ruza (Lazo) Celic and cousin/aunt/sister-in-law to many in Chicago, Croatia, Bosnia, and Australia. Marie was born February 27, 2024 in Srednje Selo, Otok Solta, Croatia. At two years of age, she immigrated to Western Australia with her parents where she lived for 25 years. In 1951, she immigrated to the United States and after a brief stay in Miami, moved to Chicago with her family. She met Russell ("Rusko") at Automatic Electric Phone Company. They were married in 1957 and enjoyed most of their life in Niles, Illinois. She was proud to be a former Croatian and British citizen and embraced her American citizenship only in 1985. She was a long-standing member, volunteer and bookkeeper at St. Steven of Decani Serbian Church and Kolo. She was tough, independent, stalwart, exacting, adventurous, and sporty. She knew how to construct buildings, to cure lime, to play the mandolin and the accordion, and to make the best palacinke and sweet roonies. She worked at Niles East High School and Kessler Orleans and Mitrovich/Silver Accountants. She loved many things – tennis, gardening, fishing, the sea - but most of all she loved her family. She waited until the Magic Lilies came up, until she was exactly 101.5 and until her family was around her. She will be sorely missed. Resting at Muzyka & Son Funeral Home, 5776 W. Lawrence Ave., Monday, September 1, 4 to 8 p.m. with Pomen (wake service) 7 p.m. at chapel. Funeral service is Tuesday, September 2 at 11 a.m. at Most Holy Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery, Third Lake, IL. Interment Most Holy Mother of God Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated for Most Holy Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery, P.O. Box 371, Grayslake, IL 60030.