It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Milena Kurilich Martin on January 17, 2017, at home, after a lengthy illness. Milena was born on January 25, 1929 to Vaso and Sofija Malovrazich Kurilich in Los Angeles. Millie, as she was called by all who loved her, had two sisters, Persida (SPHS '45) and Bernice (SPHS '50) and a brother, Robert (SPHS '55). The family eventually settled in San Marino.

Millie was a sporty woman, playing tennis as a child and running 10ks later in life. In 1952 she married the love of her life, Charles R Martin (SPHS '41). Together, they made a home for children Milinda and Rodman, as well as a cabin in Wrightwood where summers were spent lakeside. Millie worked in banking for more than 20 years and enjoyed serving her customers as a loan officer at several financial institutions. Heartache came in 1968 when her brother, Marine Corps Major Robert Kurilich was killed in Vietnam.

Millie was always friendly and liked nothing more than chatting with people she met throughout her day. She volunteered in the community, serving on the Huntington Hospital Auxiliary and several other nonprofit organizations. She welcomed her first grandchild in 1992 and found new joy in being the best grandmother she could be.

Millie loved life, and especially her husband of 64 years, her children, and grandchildren, her community, her friends, her sisters, and tennis. She never missed a US Open or Wimbledon. She enjoyed summers on Balboa Island, loved to drive fast, and played the slot machines in Las Vegas. She traveled to Europe and Asia, but always preferred the quiet of her San Marino home. In 2013 she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and began a long decline.

Predeceased by her parents, sister Persida and brother Bob, Milena is loved by her husband Charles, her children Milinda and Rod, her daughter-in-law Ann-Marie, grandchildren Joey, Sofi, Tyler, and Courtney; and sister, Bernice.

Pasadena Star-News, January 22, 2017