ORANGE, MA – Anna (Kroo) Kovacevic, 95, of Orange, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 28, 1930, in Siroko Polje, Croatia, Anna was the daughter of the late Magdalena and Anton Kroo and the second of seven children. In 1950, she married the love of her life, Demal Kovacevic, in Austria. Together they shared 56 devoted years of marriage before Demal’s passing in 2006.
In 1951, Anna and Demal immigrated to the United States determined to build a better life. Through hard work and perseverance, they established a home filled with love and family. Anna worked for 15 years at the Orange Shoe Shop and spent the following 19 years at Starretts, where she remained until her retirement.
Anna was a woman of many talents and passions. She was widely known for her intricate and delicious cookies and for the beauty of her flower gardens. Rarely idle, she was always immersed in a creative project – knitting afghans, crafting beadwork, or sewing. She was especially gifted at quilting and lovingly created more than 100 patchwork quilts for family and friends.
Above all, Anna cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Known affectionately to many as “Oma,” she was a constant presence at sporting events, school functions, and activities, always supporting from the sidelines with pride.
She is survived by her son, Demil Kovacevic and his wife Jeanne of Orange; her daughters, Regina Cerkez and her husband Remzija of Milford, CT, and Anita Arlinghaus and her husband Louis of Dover, FL; her brother, Andy Kroo and wife Donna of Terrebonne, OR; seven grandchildren, Lisa Cerkez, Benjamin Kovacevic, Jillian Bushay, Mary Dube, Hannah and Madeline Arlinghaus; and five great-grandchildren, Tyler Griffin, Grady and Adelaide Bushay, Leo and Lilliana Dube, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Jevard Cerkez.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Liz, Rachel, and Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care for their compassionate support and care.
There are no calling hours
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:30 a.m., at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange. Interment will follow at South Cemetery in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 101 Munson Street, Suite 103, Greenfield, MA 01301.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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