Darinka J. Milodragovich

Darinka J. Milodragovich, 90, of Missoula, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Hunters Glen of natural causes. She was born March 1, 1922 in Berane, Montenegro, to Bogdan Milovic and Radosava Milovic. She lived in rural Montenegro with her parents and five siblings as she was growing up, and attended a local university where she obtained her teaching credentials. Following that, she went to Florence, Italy, to continue her education in languages. She was cut off there by World War II and took shelter with a Catholic convent. As the war wound down, she was introduced to a handsome Army Captain, John Milodragovich, and their courtship took place before an ever observant Italian nun who did not speak Serbian. When the nun would ask what was being said, Darinka would tell her "we were discussing the weather" or some such innocuous item.
Their first marriage ceremony was Italian civil service, followed later by a Catholic service, and ultimately by a Serbian Orthodox service with full military honors. The multiple weddings were necessary to comply with Italian civil law and U.S. military requirements so she could come to the U.S. as a war bride. The first few months of the marriage were spent at Lake Como where John was involved with investigation of war crimes. She was several months pregnant when her travel to the Norfolk, VA, was arranged via a "Liberty ship" in March, 1946. When she arrived in Butte March 8, 1946, she spoke six languages fluently but did not speak English. She had not studied English because she never thought she would use it. The next day's Montana Standard had a large article headlining the arrival of the first war bride from Europe.
When John was discharged as a Major a few months later, he began his professional career with the U.S. Forest Service at Philipsburg. Darinka became a naturalized citizen in October, 1949. Transfers as John continued his career led the family to relocations to Troy, Sylvanite, Libby, Helena, Missoula, Grangeville Idaho, and ultimately back to Missoula. Family was always the center of her life as she was very involved school and extra-curricular activities of her children and later, her grandchildren. She took immense pride in the accomplishments of children and grandchildren.
Her hobbies included oil painting, crocheting, sewing, and knitting. She thought little of sitting down and creating large knit afghans for family members and friends. While in the various communities, Darinka was involved in various civic and community organizations. Additionally, she became expert at playing pinochle and bridge.
Darinka is survived by her son Mike, daughter-in-law Christine, granddaughters Janelle and Melissa, and great-grandchildren Dara, Jensen, and John; and her daughter Michelle, son-in-law Mike and grandchildren Mike and Molly. Additionally she is survived by one sister, one brother and numerous nieces and nephews in Europe, and sisters-in-law Fannie and Ann in Montana plus numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Garden City Funeral Home. At Darinka's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: John and Darinka Milodragovich Scholarship, The University of Montana Foundation, c/o Kate Jennings, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807.
The family wishes to extend thanks to the caregivers at Hunters Glen for their care of Darinka during her residency at their facility, to doctors Rebecca Hoover MD, Grant Wiswell MD, and Jeffrey Haller MD and Partners In Home Care Hospice.


Read Darinka Milodragovich's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.