On April 11, 2026, our mother, Nada Miloyevich, reached a milestone that few are blessed to see—100 years of life. A full century shaped by hardship, courage, faith, family, and an unwavering love of living.
Nada was born on April 11, 1926, in Vrnograč, Bosnia, into a world that would soon be overtaken by economic hardship and war. Her early life was defined not by comfort, but by resilience. Her father, Djuro Todorović, a baker by trade, left for Canada during the Great Depression in search of opportunity, working in the gold mines of Northern Ontario. Her mother, Vukosava (Vuka), remained behind, raising Nada and working as a midwife in Glina—strong, resourceful, and determined.
At a time when tensions in Yugoslavia were rising and the dangers ahead were becoming clear, a relative urged them to leave. With little more than a suitcase, Nada and her mother traveled across Europe to Paris, then to England, and boarded one of the last ships leaving for Canada as the Second World War was breaking out. They arrived safely in Halifax at Pier 21—escaping a fate that many others could not.
That moment would shape the rest of her life.
Nada grew up in Canada in a household where work was not optional—it was expected. She helped in the family bakery in Northern Ontario, alongside her parents and uncle, learning early that survival and success came through effort, discipline, and sacrifice.
Eventually, the family settled in Windsor, Ontario, where Nada’s entrepreneurial spirit took root. With the support of her parents, she trained as a hairdresser and established her own salon—first within the family home and later through various ventures as life moved between Windsor and Hamilton. Wherever she went, she worked. Wherever she was, she built.
She married Jovan (John) Milojevich on April 16, 1950, in Windsor, in what would later become St. Dimitrije Serbian Orthodox Church—a fitting beginning for a life deeply connected to faith and community. Their story, one of persistence and determination, began years earlier in school in Yugoslavia, where he once sat behind her in class. She didn’t remember him when they met again years later at the Serbian Vidovdan picnic in Niagara Falls—but he remembered her. And he didn’t give up.
Together, they built a life defined by two powerful and very different philosophies.
Nada was the builder—practical, disciplined, and unwavering. She worked for every shekel, believed in paying cash, and ensured stability for her family. She was the one who made sure there would always be a home, always a foundation.
Jovan, shaped by war, loss, and survival, believed in living for today—because tomorrow was never guaranteed.
They were opposites.
And yet, together, they created balance.
From that balance came a family raised with strength, resilience, work ethic, and the understanding that nothing in life is handed to you.
Nada continued to evolve throughout her life. In her 40s, she returned to school at the University of Toronto, earning her teaching credentials and becoming a hairdressing teacher at Western Secondary School in Windsor, where she helped shape and mentor the next generation.
Her commitment extended far beyond her profession.
Nada and Jovan were deeply devoted to the Serbian Orthodox community, both in Hamilton and Windsor. They contributed to the building and strengthening of their churches, including Gračanica in Windsor. Nada served as a member and past president of the Circle of Serbian Sisters, and sang in the church choir. Jovan served as President of the Church Board. Together, they were Kumovi to the church—a role of deep spiritual and cultural significance.
They didn’t just belong to the community—they helped build it.
Nada is the proud mother of three children, Yvonne (Seka), Donald (Braco) and Michael. (Buddy) She is the proud grandmother of Aleksandar Luka (born August 30, 2004) and Maksim John Sebastian. (born July 19, 2006)
Today, at 100 years old, Nada continues to live the way she always has—on her own terms.
She lives independently in her home in Windsor. She still drives, shops, cooks, cleans, and takes care of herself—moving between floors of her home with the same determination she has carried her entire life.
And despite everything she has lived through, she still says, “I love life. I love living.”
Even now, she continues to ask her children if they have eaten, if they need anything—reminding us that strength and care can exist together in the same person.
Nada Miloyevich’s life is not just a story of reaching 100 years. It is a story of survival, sacrifice and hard work woven with faith, family and an unbreakable will. She represents a generation that endured what many cannot imagine—and still chose to build, to give, and to live fully.
We are proud to celebrate her – 100 years strong.
With Love, Yvonne (Seka), Donald (Braco) and Michael. (Buddy)