Tatjana K. Pavlovic OBITUARY

Tatjana K. Pavlovic OBITUARY

Dr. Tatjana K. Pavlovic, MD (79) passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. A beloved wife, mother, and prominent Chicago ophthalmologist, Tatjana was known for her love of life, generous heart, and compassionate soul. Born April 2, 1947 in Novi Sad, former Yugoslavia, she was raised in Odessa, Ukraine. With an early interest in medicine, she graduated from Odessa National Medical University and went on to specialize in Ophthalmology at the renowned Filatov Eye Institute. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Zivojin (Zika) Pavlovic, MD, celebrating their Golden Anniversary of 50 years in 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Upon immigrating to Chicago, Dr. Pavlovic trained at the University of Illinois and Mercy Hospital and completed her American Board Certification in Ophthalmology. She went on to serve with distinction as a Major in the U.S. Army, receiving the Army Achievement Medal for outstanding services in Ophthalmology. After active duty, she went on to establish a private practice on 2719 W. Peterson Ave., devotedly serving local and immigrant communities for over 40 years. In her career, Dr. Pavlovic developed a passion for humanitarian work as a volunteer doctor. She performed sight-saving cataract surgeries around the world, forming a special bond with several communities in Honduras. She leaves behind a legacy of clinical brilliance, warm humor, generosity and devotion to serving others with a sincere trust in the goodness of humanity and of God.

She is survived by her loving husband; children Natasha, Ellen, and George (wife Noelle, grandson Cody); siblings Milan Kalafatic & Olga Melnikov, the Pavlovic family, and innumerous cherished extended family and friends that will miss her dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19, 2026 in Oak Park, IL. Please visit her memorial page: online-tribute/TatjanaPavlovic for additional details and to RSVP. To honor her legacy, donations may be made online through her memorial page or checks mailed to: Vision for the Americas, Inc., 5312 Siesta Court, Sarasota, FL 34242 (Memo: Tatjana K. Pavlovic MD Operating Room – Honduras).