Jovanka (Joja) Radojevich was born on November 2, 1940, to Pavle and Zlata Radojevich, in the town of Sremska Mitrovica, in the former Yugoslavia. She was the sixth of seven children, and interestingly, the sixth daughter in a row. She graduated the Belgrade University School of Dentistry in 1966, and was a dentist in Sremska Mitrovica for 12 years. She married Sergije (Braca) Urukalo in 1967, on her birthday. She subsequently gave birth to Ana in 1968 and Milan in 1971. Joja, Braca and the kids immigrated to the United States in 1984, to join her parents, brother and two sisters. They settled in Lakeway. Due to bureaucracy, she was unable to practice dentistry in the state of Texas. Although there were opportunities for her to go out of state to complete the regulatory requirements to become a licensed dentist, she selflessly gave up her career to be with her family and allow her children to pursue higher education. During this time period, she worked multiple jobs far below her level of education to contribute financially for her family. She never complained about the inequity. She was a never-ending source of optimism for not only her immediate family, but also for friends and relatives who sought her help or advice. Her support for those she loved was unconditional and unwavering. She had a unique warmth and presence about her, and was able to touch and inspire many lives. There was no limit to her ambition, and the words “impossible” or “can’t do” were not a part of her vocabulary. At age 60 she decided to start running marathons, with the goal of completing one in every state in the USA. She received such joy and satisfaction from the competition that in just three years she ran 10 marathons. Most of these she ran with at least one family member, making it that much more special for everyone. Sadly, she was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in January of 2004, just three months after completing her 10th marathon. Her physician advised her to discontinue running. In spite of being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Joja simply behaved as if it did not pertain to her. She was happy that it was her, rather than someone else. She was open and honest about her diagnosis, noting that it was not her “shame”. She made the best of it and concentrated on helping her family cope with her diagnosis and all of the physical changes she was experiencing. Braca was her constant caregiver, companion, and her shadow throughout her courageous battle. She remained active and involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren until the very end of her life here on earth. Joja passed peacefully, surrounded by those whom she loved most. Joja was, is and always will be an inspiration to many as a symbol of strength, determination and grace. She is greatly missed and will remain in our hearts for a lifetime.