Mamie Marinkov

Mamie Marinkov, age 104, died Monday, January 13, 2020 at the Shorepointe Assisted Living facility in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Mamie was born Milica Vezelich on October 5, 1915 in Davenport, Iowa, daughter of the late Steven Vezelich and the late Bertha (nee: Boskov) Vezelich.

Mamie was raised on Detroit's lower east side in a loving Serbian family. Following high school she went to work for Briggs Stamping which later was acquired by Chrysler Motors.  Mamie was one of the original "Rosie the Riveters" during the war effort. She worked in assembling aircraft, working as many as seven days a week like so many women of her era.  Mamie continued working as a press operator for Chrysler Motors for over 25 years before retiring.

Outside of work, Mamie remained very active. She had a "Green Thumb" in the garden and was well known for refining her beautiful African Violets.  Mamie's legendary African Violets are still grown today by the Serbian Sisters of St. Lazarus.  In addition to her gardening skills, Mamie was a gifted cook in the kitchen creating many delicious Serbian favorites.

Mamie was devoted to her church, along with the passion she extended towards her daughter Donna's care, as Donna was born with Cerebral Palsy. Mamie cherished the times she spent traveling with her husband to many locations in the United States, along with spending many holidays and special occasions with her family members.  Down time for Mamie would find her reading in her chair as she was known to her family and friends as an avid reader.

Mamie was the beloved wife of the late Dobroslav "Dan" Marinkov, and dearest mother of the late Donna Marinkov.  She is also the cherished aunt of John (Ann Marie) Doychich, and Helen (Greg) Near.  Mamie was predeceased by her parents, and siblings, Dorothy (Emil) Doychich and Alexander Vezelich. 

Visitation for Mamie will be held on Monday, January 20th from 3-9 pm, with a 7 pm Pomen Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.

Mrs. Marinkov will lie in state on Tuesday, January 21st at St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church in Detroit from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Services at 11:00 am.  Officiating the Funeral Services will be Reverend Fr. Zivan Urosev.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the church. 

Please share memories of Mamie at her guest book below.