CeCelia Miljevich

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - CeCelia Miljevich, 93, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully late Monday evening, Nov. 20, 2017.

CeCelia was born on June 17, 1924, in Cordova, S.C., a daughter of John James and Arrie Lee (Murphy) McMillan. She attended Cordova High School and graduated in 1942. CeCelia continued her education and earned a nursing degree, including special training as a cadet nurse, at Tri-County School of Nursing in Orangeburg, S.C.

It was in Orangeburg where she met her future husband, Roland Lewis "Rollie" Miljevich, who was stationed at a U.S. Army Base a short distance away. He was deployed to Germany during World War II.

On Oct. 5, 1946, CeCelia was united in marriage to Roland at the home of his parents in Wakefield. They celebrated more than 52 years of marriage in Wakefield, and they were blessed with two children, Janice Raulla and Lewis John.

CeCelia worked as a registered nurse for 17 years at Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield. In 1963, she took the position as school nurse at Bessemer Township Schools and then at Bessemer City Schools, retiring in 1986.

During that time, CeCelia and Rollie owned and operated the Milje Cross-Country Ski Trails and supplied Christmas trees for many years to family and friends from their tree farm.

CeCelia was the last charter member of Calvary Baptist Church in Wakefield. She was a devoted member throughout her life and helped orchestrate numerous activities.

CeCelia enjoyed sewing, cooking and cross-country skiing. She supported her husband's charter fishing business on Lake Superior and often accompanied him. It was a special occasion for her when she attended plays at The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wis. She always flew to South Carolina for an annual visit at Easter to visit with dear family and friends at their "Beloved River House" for a family reunion.

CeCelia is survived by two grandsons, Shannon (Rebecca) Badovski, Mechanicsville, Md., and John (Laura) Breitzman, Palm Harbor, Fla .; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Etta Hewitt, Cordova, S.C., and Jenny Lynn Myers, Charleston, S.C .; two sisters-in-law, Kathleen Miljevich and Arlene Miljevich, both of Wakefield; a very special friend, Dorothy Popovich, Wakefield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Rollie, on Feb. 27, 1999; her son, John, on April 25, 1978; her daughter, Janice Romain, on Sept. 11, 2003; three brothers, Guilds, George and Robert McMillan; and three sisters, Dorothy Baldwin and twins Sylvia McDougal and Sybil DuBose.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Calvary Baptist Church in Wakefield, with the Rev. Michael Riley officiating.

Pallbearers will be Shannon Badovski, Evan Badovski, John Breitzman, Bryan Jeske, Derrick Jeske and John Olson.

Following the service, luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall.

Interment will take place in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in CeCelia's memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 1201 Peters St., Wakefield, MI 49968, or to the charity of one's choice.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility, who provided comfort and loving care to CeCelia while she was a resident.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.