Marijana Petrovic

Marijana Petrovic, age 49, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2025.

Marijana was born on November 10, 1975, in Široki Brijeg, Bosnia & Hercegovina. As the eldest of five siblings, she was raised and educated in Neiderhasli, Switzerland where her family settled when she was five years old.

In February 1997, Marijana moved to the United States to work as an au pair; she lived in Wellesley for a short time before meeting the "love of her life" Vinko Petrovic, shortly after her arrival in the United States. Marijana and Vinko married on December 28, 1997; the couple settled in Wilmington, where they raised their three beautiful girls, Katarina, Ana, and Mariella.

Marijana had an endearing personality, and people were drawn to her; she started her career at Swiss Air in Boston where she worked to fulfill her passion for traveling. Marijana's ability to speak several languages (English, Croatian, Swiss German) and her courteous nature made her quite the asset to the company. After a few years of working there, she decided to devote all of her time to her family by becoming a stay-at-home mom with all 3 of her girls at this point, filling their home with an abundance of love and joy. Three years ago, Marijana was offered a position as an associate banker for Chase Bank; she loved her job and the people she worked with. She was involved in many of the daily operations of the bank, and she mastered most tasks with ease.

Marijana had a heart of gold; she was always looking for ways to use her time and resources to help others. She volunteered at Minuteman Senior Services as a nutritional coordinator; it was very important to her that the elderly people were well cared for and received the attention they deserved. She had a great love for the elderly.

Marijana was a devout Catholic and a faithful parishioner of the St. Thomas and St. Dorothy's Churches; she attended Mass regularly and was an active member of the Ladies Sodality. Marijana enjoyed teaching religious education; often treating the children as her own. Marijana believed in the power of prayer; she had a special bond with the Blessed Mother and belonged to an online group based in Toronto who prayed the rosary together. Twice a year, Marijana organized a Croatian Mass in Millis; she prepared beautiful food, organized the Mass Service, and ensured that her Croatian culture was honored, especially during Christmas time.

Family was most important to Marijana; she was so proud of her husband and three daughters. She enjoyed attending school and sporting events for the girls, often volunteering on field trips or school activities; she adored her daughters and the beautiful young women they had become. Marijana loved her family abroad; she always kept Switzerland and Croatia close to her heart; Marijana loved catching up with her family overseas and looked forward to hearing how they were doing. Each summer, Marijana and Vinko took the girls to visit their family; they looked forward to spending time with each other and made many special memories.

In her spare time, Marijana enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She had such a passion for it and was incredibly good at it; one of her dreams was to open her own bakery. She also loved to ski and exercise, especially Pilates or Zumba classes.

Marijana will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her willingness to help anyone in need. She always greeted people with a warm, friendly embrace, or a kind word; she was an angel on earth. Marijana loved people unconditionally and with all her heart; she will forever be missed by her family and many friends.

Marijana is the beloved wife of Vinko Petrovic, devoted mother of Katarina Petrovic-Paone & her husband Luke of Wilmington and Vancouver, Ana Petrovic, and Mariella Petrovic, both of Wilmington, cherished daughter of the late Ivica (Soldo) Sesar, dear sister of Danijel Sesar & his wife Jeannette, Ivan Sesar & his wife Ivana, Marijan Sesar & his wife Mirela, and Zora Papic & her husband Igor, loving aunt of David, Lidija, Maria, Sara, Marin and Ema. Marijana is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.


FOTO: Private