Jean Lucille (Sitar) Markovich

Jean Lucille Markovich, 91, of Paw Paw, MI, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on the morning of August 18, 2020. She was born on December 13, 1928, in Paw Paw, MI, the daughter of Louis and Jenny (Radosezich) Sitar.

Jean was born and raised on a farm in Paw Paw that specialized in producing grapes for Welch’s plant in Lawton, among other crops she had to help grow and harvest. She graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1946 after which she worked at the Van Buren County Abstract Office.  A few years after beginning that career, she met the love of her life - Ernest Paul Markovich.  In 1949, she was united in marriage to her devoted husband Ernie with whom she was blessed to share seventy years of marriage.

Jean was the classic 50’s / 60’s housewife par excellence.  She devoted herself to her husband, her children, her extended family and her faith.  Jean was a very kind and generous lady. She never met a person she did not like and would often have long conversations with people she just met.  This trait served her well when she went to work at the St. Julian Winery Hospitality Room. Jean loved to cook and compiled an extensive library of dishes.  She viewed every event as an opportunity to prepare a large multi-course feast.  Jean particularly enjoyed entertaining and socializing with friends and family, playing cards and bingo, singing in the St. Mary’s church choir, participating in church activities, listening and dancing to music, swimming in her pool, traveling, and identifying new home projects for Ernie.

She loved the spring and summer time with the flowers blooming, the visual and audio demonstrations of the birds (in particular the humming birds), enjoying the fresh bounty of her husband’s garden, and enjoying evenings outside. Jean had an indomitable spirit that could not be quelled even by her health issues later in life.

Surviving are her son, Ronald (Sandi Mabry) Markovich of Houston, TX, daughter, Kathy (David) Argo of Paw Paw, MI, grandsons, Brian (Tracy) Argo and Mark Argo, great-grandchildren, Alex  and Evelyn Argo, and a host of nieces, nephews, and countless other loving family members and friends. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Markovich; her parents, Louis and Jenny Sitar; her brother, Robert Sitar and sister, Irene (Sitar) Pearce.

Friends will be received at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 209 N. Brown Street, Paw Paw on Monday, August 24, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Xavier officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at Saint Mary Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Van Buren County Senior Services, Meals on Wheels, or St. Mary Catholic School or Church.