‘Devoted’ grandmother Marija Ivankovic remembered after alleged Maribyrnong murder

A grandmother allegedly murdered in her Maribyrnong home has been remembered as a “beautiful lady” who was a much-loved member of Melbourne’s Croatian community.

Marija Ivankovic, 81, was found dead in her Macedon St home on June 12. Picture: Facebook

An elderly grandmother allegedly murdered in her Maribyrnong home has been remembered as a “beautiful” woman who was “much loved by all” at her local soccer club.

Marija Ivankovic, 81, was found dead in her Macedon St home about 5.40pm on June 12.

She was a keen member of the Melbourne Croatia Soccer Club and devoted her time to helping those in need.

“On behalf of Melbourne Croatia Soccer Club and Melbourne Croatia Pensioners Committees, members and friends we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Ivankovic family on the recent passing of Marija,” a tribute posted to Facebook read.

“Marija was a current serving member of the MCSC Pensioners Committee and a Friday night regular.

“Always greeting friends with a smile and willing to help out wherever required.

“She was much loved by all around the club and will be sorely missed.

“May you rest in eternal peace Marija. Table 2 will not be the same without you.”

Macedon St, Maribyrnong, in Melbourne’s west.

Police on Friday arrested a 55-year-old man at a South Yarra address.

He was charged with one count of murder.

The circumstances surrounding Ms Ivankovic’s death remain unclear.

Friend Adrijana Dorinko said Ms Ivankovic would never miss a dance lesson with her granddaughter.

“Marija was so lovely. (She) always greeted you with a big smile,” she posted on social media.

“She loved F.A Hrvatska Zora (Croatian dancing community) and bringing her granddaughter. She never missed a lesson.

“My sincere condolences to the entire family.

“May she rest in eternal peace.”

Snezana Vidakovic said she was a “beautiful lady to be around” who was “devoted to her granddaughter”.

Shocked Macedon St neighbours told the Sunday Herald Sun she was a “lovely” woman who was very independent for her age and lived alone.

“She was a lovely lady. We’d often have a chat over the fence when I walked past her place,” the neighbour, who wished not to be named said.

“She was always in her front garden, pottering around, sweeping and pruning the bushes.

“If I’d see her she would talk, but she kept to herself, sometimes she’d mingle with neighbours but that’s about it.”

The South Yarra man was remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 27.