Stella Sarcevich (née Pejakovich) died peacefully November 18 in Los Angeles at the age of 81. 

Survivors include sons George, Rod, and Blazo, three grandchildren, and sister Dorothy Shupleck.  Visitation will be November 28 from 11 a.m. (prayers at 1 p.m.) in the McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 West 12-Mile Road in Farmington Hills. Burial will in Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit at 2 p.m. on November 28.

Mrs. Sarcevich was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania on Julian calendar Easter, April 14th1934, the daughter of Montenegrin immigrants Blazo and Vasa Pejakovich.  Her parents raised six children on a coal miner’s salary. After graduating from West Hazleton High School, she traveled west with her family, settling in Alhambra, California. 

Always resourceful, she worked as a seamstress, manicurist, and waitress before securing a job as an Operator at Pacific Bell.  She quickly gained a reputation as a hard worker and great teacher, rising through the ranks to become one of the youngest Chief Operators in the history of the company. 

In 1965, she met Nick Sarcevich. In contrast to her typical balanced, methodical, see all sides to every story form of decision-making, they were married two weeks later. She was promptly whisked away to Detroit. She worked for Michigan Bell for a while before committing herself fulltime to motherhood. 

Her children remember her as a great confidence builder. Even the smallest victories, like learning to tie shoes, were cause for celebration. Her warm smile meant anything was possible. Selfless love was abundant and unconditional support was never questioned. She will be greatly missed. 

Memorials may be made to St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church and mailed c/o Sarcevich Family at 25761 Lynford Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.