Mira (Berbakov) Milich

Mira Milich (nee Berbakov) of Medford, New Jersey went to heaven on Monday, June 1, 2026 after a very active and happy life of almost 100 years. She is the daughter of Svetozar and Leposava Berbakov and the wife of the late Benjamin Milich. She is the beloved mother of Carol Milich and her husband Joe Countryman of Medford, New Jersey and is also survived by her sister-in-law Arlene Milich and many nieces and nephews who adore and admire her. She is predeceased by their daughter Donna, by 10 siblings and their spouses, her husband's 4 brothers and 3 sister-in- laws.

As a young person she developed a strong work ethic as all the children had responsibilities at home in order to keep the household running. Among other chores, she helped her mother can peaches and cared for her father with his physical limitations. She also contributed to the family’s successful industrial brush business based at home.

Born in Philadelphia, Mira appreciated the many offerings of city life, especially going to the local library, Saturday afternoons at the movie theater, neighborhood shops, the aquarium, and Friday night dances at the YMCA with friends. In 1944, she graduated from Kensington High School where she received an excellent education.

Mira began dating Ben Milich after he returned home from WWII. They married in 1948 at the Eastern Orthodox church in Philadelphia, and she moved to his family farm in Medford, and adapted well to her new rural home. She embraced Ben’s love of sports. Together they attended Phillies games at Shibe Park, and she was a spectator at Ben’s semi-pro football games. She also supported Ben’s involvement with thoroughbred racing and accompanied him to many race tracks over the years.

Mira learned to drive and began working at the Burlington County Superintendent of Schools office in Mount Holly, NJ. For 27 years she enjoyed working with teachers to help them become certified. She loved her job and was well-liked and respected by coworkers and the professional staff.

Among many of Mira’s interests were reading, cooking, baking blueberry buckle for loved ones, swimming daily at home, golfing in Burlington Country Club’s Ladies Golf League, word puzzles in the morning newspaper, and homemaking. She had a love of travel, including road trips from Canada to Florida, adventures to Europe, and discoveries out West.  She had a special talent for painting and bird carving. She took lessons and dedicated countless hours to creating realistic bird carvings in her home workshop.

Most of all, Mira loved and enjoyed her family and friends. She was diligent in maintaining a connection with each of them through outings, phone calls, cards, and emails. She and Ben also hosted many family get-togethers in the loving home they created. She was a warm and welcoming hostess.

Mira made an immediate impact on people upon first meeting them. She had an aura about her. People were drawn to her. She showed a genuine interest and a care for all. She treated everyone, including strangers, with respect and accepted each person as is.

All of her attributes, including excellent health and high spirits, allowed her to continue a full and active life well into her 90s. Here’s to her extraordinary life…Zhivali!

Mira Berbakov Milich

An Amazing Woman

Memory Eternal

Mira’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 16 at 11 a.m. The graveside service will be held at the cemetery located on Coates St. in downtown Medford. Parking is behind Braddock’s Tavern on Main Street. The cemetery is a very short walk down Coates Street from their parking lot. Please note that the cemetery name is not on google maps.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medford EMS, PO Box 402 Medford, NJ 08055 or on their secure website http://medfordems.org.  Arrangements under the direction of the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ  08055

(BradleyStow.com)

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