Eva J Sudar

Obituary Eva Wuynovich Sudar 1925 ~ 2014 On January 12, 2014, Eva Wuynovich Sudar passed away as she lived her life, gracefully, gently and with gratitude. A proud native Tacoman and the only child of Serbian/Croatian immigrant parents Mikhail Vujnovic and Mary Jurasovic Vujnovic Persha, she grew up modestly in a Hilltop neighborhood rich with ethnic influences. As a first generation American, she often bridged the gap between her foreign-born parents and the new world, particularly for her mother. Her father died in 1935, her mother later marrying Frank Persha who encouraged Eva to pursue her education and instilled in her the love of learning that she passed to her children in turn. Educated in Tacoma schools, she attended Longfellow, St. Leo's, McCarver and Lincoln, graduating in 1943 and finding employment as a stenographer with West Coast Grocery soon after. She wed George Sudar of Longview, Washington, in 1944 after a classic WWII courtship that consisted of much correspondence and few furloughs and blossomed into a loving and supportive marriage that spanned over 6 decades by the time of his death in 2008. Eva and George raised their children in a Proctor District home filled with warmth, support and patience. It was a hospitable and comfortable place for extended family and friends where the table could always expand to fit one more guest. Eva and George also proudly passed down to their descendants a great love and respect for their combined Serbian/Croatian heritage, history, language, folklore, songs, stories and cuisine. Eva excelled in all of the home arts, particularly her legendary cooking and baking and meticulous needlework, had an encyclopedic knowledge of old films gleaned from Depression-era afternoons at the movies and often shared vivid memories of her native city from years ago. She loved to dress well but her best accessory was always her warm smile. In later years, she encouraged her children in their businesses, participating in any way they asked and developing her own following among their clients. Left to remember her, honor her and carry on her legacy of love and family are her sons, George Jr. and Robert (wife Lisa); daughter, Mary Sudar Acker (husband Bill); grandchildren Sam Sudar, Joe Sudar and Kate Sudar Sprague (husband Doug); and new great-grandson Owen Robert Sprague, whom Eva was thrilled to welcome to the world on Christmas Day. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5510 North 44th Street, Tacoma, 98407, with luncheon reception to follow at the Slavonian Hall, 2306 North 30th Street, Tacoma (Old Town). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to Holy Cross Church, the family's longtime parish; or to St. Leo's Food Connection, 710 South 13th Street, Tacoma, 98405, as our mother was always happiest feeding those she loved. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.