Adina Suster

It is with faith in Jesus Christ and His resurrection that the Suster family announces the passing of Adina Suster – beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and woman of God. She entered Heaven on January 29th, 2024, surrounded by family, at home in Bakersfield, CA.

Adina was known for her love of family, pictures, carnations, birds, caramel frappuchinos, and wearing bright colors. She was always energetic and open-handed. She had a gospel-filled heart and fearlessly shared Jesus with anyone blessed enough to cross paths with her. On June 22, 1978 Adina immigrated to California from former Yugoslavia with her husband and two children. Prior to immigrating she had a sixteen-year career in book-keeping, accounting, and office management. Soon after settling in California, Adina began working at Teledyne Relays in Hawthorne. She remained in the industry and retired in the spring of 2017 from Aerovironment in Simi Valley. Together with her husband, Adina had worked diligently for over 55 years to jointly support their family, and anyone in need.

After retirement Adina and her husband moved to Bakersfield to be closer to their growing family, welcoming great-grandchildren that Adina knew and loved with all her heart. When she received a cancer diagnosis in 2018, she accepted the news in faith. After a successful surgery she enjoyed life more fully with family and continued pouring into others. When she was diagnosed again in November 2023, Adina endured her trial with confidence that the Lord would see her through it. The testimony of her love and care for others could be seen daily in flowers, cards, phone calls and visits that sustained her through her suffering. She finished her race and entered the presence of God, after 81 years of a blessed and fulfilled life.

Adina was often heard saying, “sve se menja, Isus nikad!” It means that everything changes, but Jesus never does. She would encourage you to walk in love and live in peace, always forgiving, and drawing close to God and loved ones. She was a pillar of strength for her family, dear friends, and coworkers. Adina became everyone’s “Grandma”, confidant, and prayer warrior. She will be remembered as a city on a hill, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was born Adina Vujicic on July 2, 1942 in Vracev Gaj, former Yugoslavia (Banat, Serbia). She married Stevan Suster on August 23, 1964 and remained faithfully married for over 59 years until her passing.

Adina’s family will not soon forget her faith, integrity, fierce love, and bright way of life. Her laughter and cooking will be missed. She is survived by her husband Stevan, their daughter Ruzana Cica Lelea and son-in-law George, their son Branislav Brian Suster and daughter-in-law Milena. Adina’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren Angela & Jonathan Geersen, Gice Lelea, Adrianna & Ryan Cipkar, Kayla & Ozzy Rodriguez, Alexandra & Trevor Pagano, Phillip Lelea, Annette & Jesse King, Rosie and Sam Lelea, and great-grandchildren Caleb, Rachel, Alaina, Hannah, Aviel, Jordan, Crew (with the Lord), Luka, and Sonny.