Rosemary J. SORAK

28 JUL 1928 - 13 MAR 2017

• BIRTH: 28 JUL 1928, Centerville, Appanoose, Iowa
• DEATH: 13 MAR 2017, Breman, Marshall, IN

• MARRIAGE: 4 APR 1964, Imperial, California, USA

INDEX

[N16370] Rosemary J. Tatich
July 28, 1928 - March 13, 2017
BREMEN - Rosemary J. Tatich passed away peacefully on Monday, March 13, 2017, at the age of 88. As Rosemary Joanne Sorak, she was born on July 28, 1928, to Dan and Mary (Hegedusic) Sorak in Centerville, IA. Rosemary had a lifelong love of music and as a small child she learned to play the violin, guitar and eventually, she also learned to play various Serbian stringed instruments. Rosemary and her orchestra, “Sweethearts of the Sunset Trail,” played at many dances and fairs around the Centerville area, and also performed at the Missouri State Fair. They recorded records to be played on the local juke boxes. Rosemary also played violin in the local Croatian orchestra. In 1946, Rosemary moved to Los Angeles, CA, to live with her sister, Vera. She worked at Packard-Bell, where she met and eventually married Howard Gibbs, Jr. He and Rosemary belonged to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Los Angeles where she participated in their Serbian Folk Dance group and played in the orchestra. After thirteen and a half years of marriage, Rosemary's husband, Howard, passed away. In 1960, Rosemary met and married John Tatich. He shared her love of music and they frequently sang and played their musical instruments together, often including the children in their sing-a-longs. Rosemary found herself widowed again in 1966, so she packed up her five younger children and, by herself, she moved them across the country to South Bend, IN, to be near her late husband's family. She was a longtime member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church in South Bend, IN. She was an integral part of our church, “Aleksa Shantich Choir” for many years singing tenor & playing her “tambura” in various concerts and events. She was also a member of the “Carica Milica” Circle of Serbian Sisters women's group at her church. Rosemary was an example of strength and faith and she continued to learn and grow throughout her life. She deeply loved her family, her religion, her heritage and life. She was a good friend and always ready to listen and lend a helping hand. Rosemary is survived by her children: Constance Gibbs of Elkhart, IN, Howard Gibbs (Betty) of Plymouth, IN, Lesley Gibbs Schnick of Bremen, IN, Michael Tatich (Serena) of Bremen, IN, Laurie Tatich of Warsaw, IN, Thomas Tatich (Tamra) of San Tan, AZ; and a stepdaughter, Katherine Gibbs McCoy of Placerville, CA. She also has 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Funeral services will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, March 17, 2017, in Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-8 Thursday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm. Viewing will continue 1 hour prior to services Friday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church Building Fund or to the Sts Peter and Paul Church Choir - Aleksa Shantich. Vecnaja Pamjat - May her Memory be Eternal! Published in South Bend Tribune on Mar. 15, 2017