Dr. Marija Gavrilova Dunn passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, from complications of corticobasal degeneration.

Marija was born on October 19, 1949, in Zrnovči, Yugoslavia, a rural village in what is now known as North Macedonia, to Eftim Gavrilov and Jordana Gavrilova (Saveva), who preceded her in death. The Gavrilov family moved to the capital city of Skopje, where Marija went to high school and then graduated from St. Cyril and Methodious University with a degree in English Language and Literature. As the daughter of a high school French teacher and a Kindergarten teacher, Marija had a deep connection to the pursuit of learning. In college, she delved into her great passion for literature and philosophy. Marija met her former husband William Dunn in Skopje, a visiting Pitt professor, through work at the university. They were married in Skopje in 1971 and she then immigrated to the United States. Marija and Bill raised their family in O'Hara Township, where she devoted her life and love to her two children, Alexander and Elizabeth. She decided to continue her education in 1987 at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving her Master's degree in research methodology and PhD in developmental psychology from the School of Psychology in Education. She went on to work for UPMC/WPIC as a researcher in the Schizophrenia Center and at the CEDAR project.

A true example of a modern working Mom, Marija juggled parenting, classes and then work with grace and unending dedication to her goals and family. In the last 20 years, she turned her focus to her grandchildren. At the core of Marija's heart was the deep love she had for her family and friends. While she was incredibly proud of her personal and professional accomplishments, Marija always said the at the end of ours days, knowing how much we love one another is truly the only thing that matters. Everything she did, she did fully or not at all. Everyone she touched, felt her genuine connection and magical personality. A brilliant mind and a deeply compassionate soul, she will be missed beyond measure by all who knew her.

Marija is survived by her son Alexander Eftim Dunn (Alison) of Dillion, MT and her daughter Elizabeth Danica Dunn-Taylor (Thomas) of Allison Park, PA, grandchildren Jakob, Maryn, Olivia, Bennett, Anastasia, Julian, Leonie, Lilly and Liam, her brother Emil Gavriloski (Vera), nieces Aleksandra and Ana Gavrilova of Skopje, North Macedonia and her dear friend, caregiver and step-mother to her children, Marianne Dunn (William, deceased), and countless friends who were family to her.

Friends and relatives will be received on Friday March 1, 2024, from 3 p.m. until services at 4 p.m. at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC. 421 Allegheny Ave. Oakmont, PA 15139.  Local reception to follow.