Juliann Kreca 1935-2026

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Mirko Michael Kreca, and her son, Michael Eli Kreca.

She is survived by her daughter, Joan Elaine Kreca, and her cherished grandson, Aydin.

Juliann was born Sept. 17, 1935, in Warren, to Matija Orescanin Orostin and Ana Bakich, whose families were rooted in Sharon, Pa., and Gary, Indiana. She was the eldest of five siblings and was also closely connected to many cousins.

A proud graduate of Howland High School, Class of 1953, Juliann continued her education at Youngstown State University, matriculating in 1958.

In 1960, she was married at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngstown, where she remained a devoted and active member throughout her life, including dedicated service with the Holy Trinity Mothers Club.

By 1979, with the support of committed parents, the blessing of the Very Rev. Janko Rajlich and the musical leadership of Joseph Lazich, Juliann organized Holy Trinity’s first youth folklore musical group, the Avala Tamburitzas. Under her guidance, the group performed at numerous Serbian Orthodox churches throughout the country. Juliann also served at other church and church camp events throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Juliann began her professional career as an elementary school teacher at Braceville School in Warren from 1958 to 1960, followed by teaching at Howland Elementary from 1960 to 1962. As an educator, she held high expectations for excellence while valuing genuine effort, offering patience and compassion to students who needed additional support. From 1966 to 1968, she served as a caseworker with the Trumbull County Office of Economic Opportunity. She later returned to teaching and completed her career in 1988, retiring after 20 years of service with the Western Reserve School District.

Beyond her professional life, Juliann enjoyed traveling — especially to Europe and the family cottage in Canada. Her interests were wide-ranging and included aviation, real estate, gourmet cooking and Serbian folklore music. She was a lifelong advocate for children and the disadvantaged, a skilled seamstress and a passionate supporter of the dramatic arts, producing school plays and encouraging stage performances throughout her teaching career.

Known affectionately as “Julie” to her neighbors, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures. On any given day, she could be found sipping coffee in her kitchen, refinishing a treasured piece of furniture or relaxing on her patio with the day’s newspaper — content, dedicated and deeply rooted in the home and community she loved. +Vechnaya Pamyat.

Calling hours will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 53 Laird Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with Father Bosko officiating.

Interment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery in Warren.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

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