Barbara Kukic Djilas

November 9, 1946 - September 16, 2020

Barbara Kukič Djilas, 73, died September 16, 2020. Loving mother to Mirjana (Jim) Hausser, and grandmother to David Hausser. She also leaves behind her beloved cousins and their families along with her cherished kumovi. Barbara was born in Germany, the daughter of Milovan and Loni (Kramme) Kukič, and came with her parents via boat to New York in 1951. On the boat, at one point her parents thought she was asleep, however she was very excited, got herself dressed, put her shoes on the wrong feet, and started to explore the boat, all the while scaring her mother – they eventually found her and never let her out of their sight again. The Kukičs then took a bus from NY to the Chicago area with just one steamer trunk of their possessions. Barbara and family attended church at Old Holy Resurrection when it was on Sheffield and then went to St. Nikola Church. In 1973 they moved to Libertyville and went to church at the monasteries in the area. Barbara moved to Lake Villa to be near her daughter and family in 2005. As a young child, Barbara learned to play accordion. Barbara enjoyed card games with friends and watching movies with her family. Barbara had a funny sense of humor and she would like to say she was not stubborn but determined. Barbara volunteered over the years for mailings of the Diocesan Newspaper sent from New Gračanica Monastery and worked on mailings for Little Falcons. She enjoyed helping with these and volunteering her time and talent. For many years Barbara helped in the kitchen or served at events at the monastery (alongside her mother) and was also on the audit board of the St. Petka Circle of Serbian Sisters. Barbara loved her grandson David, her "sweetheart" beyond words. They would order pizza to share together when she would spend time with him and take him to Game Stop to spoil him with Xbox and Nintendo DS games. She was extremely proud of him and attended his 8th grade graduation and his band events. Due to circumstances of COVID-19, there will be a private funeral service at New Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, Third Lake, IL with the interment in New Gračanica Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Gračanica Monastery (Most Holy Mother of God Monastery), P.O. Box 371, Grayslake, IL 60030, St Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church, 27450 Bradley Road, Mettawa IL 60045, or Little Falcons, P.O. Box 371, Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information you may contact Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.