Mrika Xhema

2020 at 10:00 pm. Mrs. Xhema was born in Livari, Montenegro on February 24, 1946 and moved to

the United States in 1969, where she served as Executive Secretary of Xhema Industries, owned by

her husband Jim, who she met in Belgrade, where they were both educated.

Mrs. Xhema was a devout Catholic and a member of Saint Mary Church in Greenwich, where she

was noted for her kindness and philanthropy. She was recognized many, many times for her

generosity, especially for her significant donation to the new construction of the Cathedral of Saint

Mother Teresa in Pristina, Kosovo which was built after the US led war in 1999. She was considered

by friends and parishioners as “a very charitable and giving person who never had a bad word to say

about anyone.” One of her former doctors once described her faith as “quantum,” and she

maintained this devotion to faith daily, even consulting with her childhood priest via video

conference from Tivar, Montenegro, most recently, to help her through the final days of her life.

Despite her long illness, Mrs. Xhema was always happy and optimistic, possessing a unique,

distinctive quality that positively affected everyone around her. Friends always cited her wonderful

sense of humor and dry wit. A close friend recently described Mrs. Xhema as “an exceptional

woman: the embodiment of dignity, gentility, intelligence and beauty.” The last years of her life

were difficult as she battled illness, yet she never complained or showed any self-pity whatsoever.

During her healthy years, Mrika loved to socialize and travel with her husband and their many

friends. Mrika felt blessed that she saw so much of the world and was sincerely grateful to have

experienced so many different countries and cultures. She spoke four languages fluently and was

renowned for her photographic memory. Mrika loved American cinema and had an encyclopedic

knowledge of the genre and was a jazz aficionado as well. Mrika always had a distinct understanding

of fashion, jewelry and interior design, something she studied in her early years.

Even in the last years of her life she was always dressed for the occasion often meeting friends out

for lunch, dinner or shopping to lift her spirits. As her health declined in her final days, she was still

impeccably dressed every day, even though some of those days she could not leave the house.

Mrika Pecaj Xhema is survived by her husband Jim Xhema and a large, proud family throughout the

tri-state area. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her husband and friends while listening to Jazz.

(Due to social distancing regulations during this difficult time, only a private Catholic burial will take

place. A full funeral mass and celebration of life will be scheduled as soon as permitted.)

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mrika Xhema’s name to UNICEF or Save the Children;

two of her favorite charities.