Srecka Fredotovich

Known as Lucky to most and as Nona to her close friends and family, Srecka Fredotovich made a swift and peaceful passage to her garden in heaven on Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, after 98 years of living life to its fullest. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Vinko. Survived by her daughters, Inka Mims and Viki Cyphers; her son, Ian Fredotovich; grandchildren, Tania, Sam, Inka, Ben, Ian, Wesley, Morgan and Meggy; great-grandchildren, Coral, Megan, Mallory, Scout, Justus, Cody, Kayla, Skylar, Kayleigh, Carter and Anthony; great-great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Conner and Sierra. Born in Croatia, Yugoslavia, on May 9, 1911, she survived World War I as a child and the next war as a new mother. When World War II broke out, her husband was immediately captured at sea on a freighter, leaving Srecka and their infant daughter wondering for years whether he was still alive. She was never one to shy away from any task. Despite repeated bombings, invasions and widespread starvation, she survived the years of war with her daughter, Inka, by making shoes out of old leather purses, rope and whatever materials she could get and trading the shoes for food. After escaping communist Yugoslavia in 1946, she booked passage on the first ship she could find which was heading for America, a freighter that took weeks to make the voyage. Her husband was waiting at the dock in Louisiana and after being separated for nearly a decade, the family was tearfully reunited. The Fredotovich family made a home in New Orleans. Srecka was proud to call New Orleans home and lived there until recently, when she moved to Baton Rouge. Never afraid of work, she lived on her own until the last few months of her life, keeping her own house, tending to her beloved gardens and plants and even working at her daughter's business, Inka's Uniforms, helping with alterations. She delighted in gathering with the five generations of her family. Despite her incredible life stories, she will be most remembered for her spirit, her childlike vitality, the pure love and joy she spread all around her, her unwavering spirit of gratitude and her constant love and trust in the Lord. We will miss the flower of her presence, but delight in the knowledge that she is now cradled in the arms of God. Visiting at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Friday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Mike Collins, celebrant. Entombment in Lakelawn Mausoleum, New Orleans, at 2 p.m. Friday.

Visitation

Most Blesses Sacrament Catholic Church
15615 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, August 21, 2009
10am

Service

Mass of Christian Burial

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
15615 Jefferson Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, August 21, 2009
11am

Cemetery

Lake Lawn Park Cemetery
5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.
New Orleans, LA  70124