Mija single-handedly immigrated her family to the United States in 1978, leaving behind the only home she and her husband knew in order to provide their children with a better future. With $100 dollars in her pocket and 4 large suitcases, she settled into Leominster, MA which would be her family’s new home. She was fiercely devoted to her children and with unwavering support, helped her daughter become an independently thinking strong woman, challenging gender and cultural biases while showing her son all the love and kindness in the world while he lovingly cared for her in her time of need. The last year of her life was spent resting in hospice care after battling many years of medical problems which she did with such courage, dignity and grace.