Neda Skoric

1932 Neda Skoric (née Soža) 2025

Neda Skoric was born in beautiful Primošten, Croatia, on August 20,1932. She passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025 in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Neda was one of nine children, born to Paško and Šime Soža. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose warmth and kindness touched many.

During WWII, Italian and German forces occupied Primošten, disrupting Neda's childhood and education.

Neda married Anton Skorić in 1954 and gave birth to their daughter, Marie, later that year. In 1956, Neda, Anton, and Marie attempted to escape the oppressive regime of communist Yugoslavia by boat. They were captured by the Yugoslav Navy just shy of Italian waters and imprisoned. In 1959, Neda gave birth to their son, Tom.

In 1961, the family moved to Šibenik, where they built their home. Soon after, they applied for a US visa. In 1967, their visa was approved, and they moved their family to Portland to join Neda's sister and Anton's uncles. Neda approached the challenges of adjusting to different customs and a foreign language with determination and hard work. Their family in Portland provided support and guidance.

In addition to supporting Anton's home construction business, Neda was a homemaker and worked part-time as an office custodian in downtown Portland.

She loved to prepare Croatian foods, including desserts and fritule, to share with her family. Her grandchildren have wonderful memories of Christmas Eve dinners at Baba and Dida's house.

Beginning in the 1990's, Neda and Anton travelled regularly to Croatia. Neda also loved visiting her niece, Anka, and family in Anacortes, WA. There, she enjoyed Croatian music, dancing, and socializing with other Croatians.

About ten years ago, Neda started showing symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy. Over the years, the disease took away her mobility, her speech, and even the ability to smile. It would eventually take her life.

Neda is survived by her husband, Anton; sister, Cvita; children, Marie (Michael) and Tom (Cheryl); grandchildren, Lauren, Kate, Audrey, Brandon, and Ryan (Sapphira); great-granddaughter, Ember; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass for Neda will be held on Friday, April 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Milwaukie, followed by a reception in the church hall. The interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley.