Waselina Donhauser Jovanovic

An immovable force of nature is how you would describe Waselina (lovingly known as Babushka or Baba to her family and our close friends). Whether it was looking into those piercing blue eyes the color of a clear summer day, or haggling with her for the best deal, any time spent in her presence let you know nothing would go as planned unless you had this lady on your side.

Her life story is one that is surreal even to those of us who knew her well. The obstacles she overcame and the things she accomplished defy even the most creative of writers. It was these stories of her life, we were lucky enough to have her share, which served as an inspiration to all of us who came after her.



She was born in the Ukraine on March 20, 1916 as the 4th child to parents Matrona and Mikita. She grew up with three sisters and two brothers, who survived the hardships of farming on the Ukrainian plains, and found joy in the simple things like fishing by the river, or singing songs around a campfire. Her daily chores and her recreational activities were worthy of Laura Ingalls Wilders Little House on the Prairie series. There wasnt much by the way of luxury, but there was laughter and family and tradition that prepared her for the hardships she was to endure in the years to come.



She was no stranger to war or strife, being married to Julius, a German by heritage; she faced supporting a son and a daughter on her own while her husband was detained as a possible German sympathizer during the early years of World War II. Soon after, they endured German occupation and although it meant the release of her husband, it also meant enduring and witnessing the effects of war for many of her family and friends. They made the unbelievable decision to leave their life behind and flee out of the country for a chance at a better life somewhere else.



In a story worthy of any Hollywood script, they left the Ukraine by cover of night with whatever belongings fit in a covered wagon. Waselina, Julius and their Children Alida and Paul, left the Ukraine, hiding among haystacks along the way until they made it across to Europe. They faced cold, hunger, bomb raids and attempted robberies along the way, but giving up was never an option. Once they reached their destination, they sold all their possessions (including their dog) and only kept what they could carry. They boarded a train, packed into railcars with hundreds of other refugees, and made their way into unfamiliar cities. Along the way, Waselina became pregnant and gave birth to her 3rd child, Veronika (known as Vera). They used the little German they knew to survive in WWII Europe until its end.



The Red Cross Agencies offered relocation to those war refugees surviving in camps. USA was full at the time, but other countries were accepting immigrants. Julius and Waselina made the incredible choice to relocate to Venezuela based on nothing more than a map and a brief description of the country. They and their 3 children were packed onto an American Navy Vessel and made their journey to another unknown territory.



Despite not knowing the language, they lived among communities of other refugees and helped each other carve out a life in a new country. They learned, they adapted and eventually not only learned enough of the language to get by, but they started their own business and made enough to support the family. Their oldest daughter, Lida, became a nurse and her other two children attended local schools. Eventually, other friends managed to secure their immigration to the United States, and once again, they packed up what little belongings they could carry, and they journeyed to a new land to start a new life.



They arrived in the United States not knowing the language, but managed with the help of friends and the fellow immigrant community to start a life in their new country. They settled in Philadelphia, PA and while Julius worked as a Custodian until he retired, Waselina worked in a meat packing plant, and later as a custodian as well, until her retirement. Their children went on to marry, and had beautiful grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Her son Paul married Ina, and had three children: Victor, Annette and Paul, Jr. Her daughter Lida continued working as a nurse in the United States until she met and married Werner, and they had two children: Christina (Krista) and Albert. Her youngest daughter Vera married Norberto and had a daughter, Yvette.

From 1959 through 1977 they spent had wonderful years with friends and family. They were steeped in tradition and family unity. In 1976, her youngest daughter Vera moved to California. She gave birth to her second child, Veronica and after a visit to assist her after the birth, Julius and Waselina decided to move to California both to assist Vera and for the warmer climate.



Waselina and Julius purchased a little house on Painter Ave which now sits directly across from the Ralphs/Orchards Shopping center. For many years Waselina could be seen selling avocados from her trees or flowers from her beautiful garden to the residents of Whittier. She loved to garden and had a gift for making everything grow to amazing proportions. There were many times the local kindergarten or preschool teachers would stop in front of her house so the children could admire her garden.

Unfortunately, in 1982, her husband of many years passed away of complications from pancreatic cancer. She took solace in her family and observing her traditions with the Orthodox Church. Her family continued to grow over the years, adding great-grandchildren to her family line: Paul & Inas daughter Annette married Marc and had three children: Katrina, Erica and Russell, and their son Victor and his wife Dorothy had a son Nicholas; Veras daughter Yvette married Luis and had a son Louis, and her younger daughter Veronica married Michael and had a daughter Natasha and is expecting a son in June. Two years ago, her great-grand daughter Katrina (Katie) and Chris, had a daughter Sofia adding a great-great granddaughter to her family tree. To her, family meant everything.



Years later, her love of laughter and adventure lead her to meet a wonderful man, Slavko, whom she eventually married. They shared many years of travel, laughter and love before Slavko passed. A man with no children of his own suddenly inherited a large family, as he was loved and appreciated by all of Waselinas family for the joy and comfort he brought to her life. After all the sacrifice and hardship she had endured, his caring and pampering of her instantly brought affection.



After many battles with her health which she tackled and won like all the previous hardships in her life- Babushka eventually battled against illness her body no longer had the strength to fight. Shortly after her 98th birthday, she passed away at Whittier Community Hospital under the tender care of a great ICU staff. She leaves behind a legacy of strong children who know they can endure and thrive despite whatever obstacles life throws their way. We have a love of family, faith and tradition that goes back generations and we will do our best to carry on and live a life worthy of her sacrifices. .