Milly Milika Folia, 84, went to her heavenly home unexpectedly on Friday, January 26, 2024, surrounded by many loved ones. Milika was born July 26, 1939, to Paia and Maria Caran of Banat Novo Selo (Satu Nou), Serbia (former Yugoslavia). Her brother, Mita, was nine years older and adored his little sister. Milika spoke often of the close relationship she had with her brother.

As a child Milika was known and cherished by all in her village and in the local Christian church (ACCN). God called her to be His own at a young age, and she was a vibrant believer. Milika loved to talk and laugh; she was a gifted singer. Even as an adult it only took one word to trigger the memory of a song and she would burst out singing. Her lovely voice will forever echo in our hearts.

Milika caught the eye of Aurel (Mika) Folia as a teenager. On her 15th and 16th birthdays, he took her flowers and wrote special notes (she still has those notes 69 years later). Sadly, Mika was imprisoned for 4 years for his Christian faith and for his refusal to pledge allegiance to communism. After a 4-year prison term, Mika proposed on December 10, 1959. Mika and Milika were married on January 17, 1960. Milika said she "married her true and best friend". Desiring to raise a family with religious freedom, they had to secretly escape the country before Mika was imprisoned again for 4 more years. They were not able to say goodbye to anyone or tell any loved ones that they were leaving. Milika left a life of luxury and fled with the love of her life, taking only the clothes on their backs. After one failed escape attempt, they were both arrested and put in separate jails. Once released, they escaped again from communist Yugoslavia to a refugee camp in Italy where their first child, Marianna, was born.

In 1961, Mika and Milika were sponsored to come to the USA with their baby. They settled in Los Angeles, California where they went to school to learn English, found jobs, and studied to become American citizens. Mike (Mika) and Milly (Milika) were thankful to be in the land of opportunity; they worked hard and never took for granted the blessings God gave them. Over a span of 9 years, Milly gave birth to six more children. Mike and Milly had a beautiful, strong marriage. It was clear Christ was the center of their home. They made a remarkable team.

Milly was an amazing wife and mother and loved her family fiercely. She was an expert with sewing machines and worked from home in LA for years. While Milly sewed, she gathered her 7 children around her and taught them to sing in several languages and in four-part harmony. Each child was given a notepad and pen and instructed to write the words phonetically (spelling the words the way they sound). She also used these hours to teach them from the bible and played a game asking questions from the 5500 questions at the back of her special bible. Milly always wanted to color coordinate with her husband and sewed matching outfits for the entire family to wear to church on Sundays.

In 1976 the family moved into a brand-new house in Clovis, CA and soon opened a small grocery store and deli in Fresno, M&M Market. Milly had to adjust to a new way of life living on 2.5 acres, owning a business, and continuing to raise her 7 children. She demonstrated diligence and a strong work ethic. At age 40 Milly courageously obtained her driver's license for the first time, this was a big accomplishment. Mike and Milly became real estate agents in 1980 and worked successfully as a team for 35 years - the dynamic duo. Milly continued as a realtor for several years after Mike passed on; she worked with commitment and integrity representing her original clients, then their children, and even their grandchildren. She was highly respected in the community.

Milly's life was a testament of dedication to God and to her family. She deeply loved and supported her husband. It gave her much peace and happiness knowing that her children loved the Lord. She was a woman of many talents with a heart that overflowed with kindness. God gave her the gift of hospitality. Milly opened her home and welcomed guests with loving arms opened wide. She had an inner joy that showed in her contagious smile.

Milly delighted in her 10 grandchildren; she was their "Bunica". She showered them with love and attention and would do anything for them. She taught them songs, bible stories, read books, cooked favorite meals, attended baptisms, school awards ceremonies, performances, celebrations, and even sports events where she knew nothing about the game. She cheered for her grandchildren who in her eyes were the brightest and most beautiful in the crowd. Bunica enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in her garden, doing puzzles, playing games, going out for an ice cream cone and hosting sleepovers. She rejoiced greatly when she saw a grandchild come to Jesus and live a life that honors the Lord; those were her moments of greatest joy.

Milly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Aurel Mike (Mika) Folia; parents, Paia and Maria Caran; brother, Mita Caran.

Milly is survived by her children, Marianna Folia, Milly Linda Folia, Mira (& John) Yorga, Anna (& Davy) Janca, Aurel Mike Folia III, Margaret (& Nathan) Nenadov, and David (& Christie) Folia; grandchildren, Joslyn (& Sid) Bose, Johnny (& Rachel) Yorga, Jeremiah (& Yana) Folia, Allison (& Evan) Bollinger, Hannah Folia, Michael Yorga, Simeon Nenadov, Josiah Folia, Abigail Folia, and Kayla Nenadov; and expected great-granddaughter, Evason Milika Bollinger.

Milly lived a life that honored God. Her compassion, cheerful attitude and bright smile will be sorely missed. She was an encouragement and a blessing until her final day. Milly's family adored her.

Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her."

Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Madera Hills Bible Church, 41437 Ave 14, Madera, CA 93636