Eleanor Fabyan

Surrounded by her family, and the woods and water of her beloved Lake Michi-gan home, Eleanor Pavkovic Fabyan died peacefully on July 25, 2010. She had been diagnosed two months prior with an unforeseen and unpredictable illness. Born and raised in High-land Park, MI, Eleanor and her husband, George, raised their three daughters in Troy, MI. Eleanor received a library associate’s degree from Oakland Commu-nity College and had been employed and retired from GM Tech Services in War-ren, MI. Following retire-ment, Eleanor and George resided in West Olive and N. Ft Myers, FL. Their generous and sharing spirit welcomed family and friends for many memorable gatherings at their home. Eleanor taught her fam-ily to respect others, have compassion for others, and to always be honest. Elea-nor valued integrity, com-mitment and loyalty. She had a passion for her coun-try and proudly served as a SPAR in the Coast Guard during World War II. One of her greatest joys was participating in the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival parade dressed in her origi-nal uniform, as well as local Veterans Day events. Elea-nor demonstrated care and commitment to the com-munities she resided by suc-cessfully advocating for the construction of a bike path in N. Fort Myers, support-ing the Ottawa County Parks system and dune preserva-tion, and voting in every local and national election. Her gentle and calm spirit was evident in her hobbies. She was an avid reader, international traveler, and loved crosswords, appreci-ated the fine arts, playing Scrabble, classical music, bike riding, bird watching, and had an overall appre-ciation and respect for the natural world. Other inter-ests included Detroit Tiger baseball and attending her grandchildren’s school, ath-letic and music events. Eleanor was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catho-lic Church. She was a 50 year member of Croatian Lodge 351 in Detroit and a first-generation American. Since childhood, Eleanor was a member of Slavulj (Night-ingale), the Croatian Sing-ing Society. She also played with the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra and continued to embrace her Croatian heri-tage through travel, music and family picnics. Eleanor will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Cynthia ( Jeff Whitcomb) Fabyan, Debra ( Chuck) Cizek, son- in- law Waldek Maj, grandchildren Juliana and Tyler Cizek and Nicole, Claudia and Chris-topher Maj, brother Ste-phen Pavkovic ( Julie) of Skokie, IL and Barb/Bobbi (Karl) Rowe of Grand Haven. In addition she is survived by, nieces, nephews, cous-ins and extended family and friends across the U.S. and in Croatia. She was prede-ceased by her parents, Ste-phen and Barbara Pavkovic, her cherished husband of 61 years, George and dearest daughter, Jennifer Maj. The family is indebted to Hospice of Holland and special nurse, Jane Roess-ing. Eleanor’s wish was to receive in- home hospice care and she was able to live her final weeks in a manner of her choosing. We are forever grateful for the many blessings she bestowed upon family and friends. Semper Paratus, Mom. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Women’s Memorial, Washington DC (www.wom-ensmemorial. org); Nature Education Center at Hem-lock Crossing ( www. miot-tawaorg/ ParksVI/ Parks) or Hospice of Holland (www. hollandhospice.org).