Dina Mary Mladinich Kuljis

Mrs. Dina Mary Mladinich Labetich Kuljis died October 4, 2006, at her Biloxi residence. Dina was born March 1, 1914. She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Joseph Labetich and Peter "South America" Kuljis; mother, Catherine Bonacich Mladinich; father, Ernest Mladinich, Sr.; brother, Ernest Mladinich, Jr.; sister-in-law, Amanda Tremontana Mladinich, and son-in-law, Gus Cavalier, Jr. She is survived by a daughter, Frances Labetich Cavalier; grandsons, Daniel John Cavalier of Daphne, AL, Joel Craig Cavalier and his wife, Laurie, of Biloxi; great grandsons, Michael Graham of Honolulu, HI, Jesse Kittrell of Biloxi, and Grant Edward Cavalier and Great Granddaughter, Shelby Danielle Cavalier and her mother, Chris, of S. W. Ranches, FL; and her beloved companions, Barbie, Ken, Tigger and Nala. Dina was a former member of St. Michael Catholic Church and St. Michael Altar Society until August, 2005. She then became a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She was a retired seafood worker and was a dedicated member of the Slavic Ladies Auxiliary. She donated time and talent to their famous pusharata sales and the Slavic Benevolent Association of St. Nicoli and their famous Slavic Golf tournament. Although her eyesight and hearing failed in her later years, she was always eager and ready for outings with her faithful companions, for a trip to the casinos and weekly pitty pat card games. Dina won her battle with cancer years ago. It took a stroke to bring her down. She only asked, "How did this happen?" She never questioned God or complained. When asked how she felt, she would answer, "Just fine." When asked if she hurt, she would respond, "No, thank God." Nana taught everyone she met to love and forgive. She taught us that life is short and to live each day like it was their last. To know her was to love her. The angels carried her to heaven where she joined our loved ones who were eagerly waiting for her. There is no doubt that her first words to God were, "Where's the broom?" A special thanks to Dr. Dawn Hanson, Deaconess Home Health, Trinity Hospice, and to the caregivers at Nursing Management for their tender loving care. Visitation will be Monday, October 9, 2006, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. After the burial, friends and family are invited to Our Lady of Fatima Hall for a gathering after which they are also invited to the home of Joel and Laurie Cavalier, 2019 Marisol Court, Biloxi, (in Bent Oaks Subdivision) for a celebration of her life.