Irena Dujmovic-Terman

Irena Dujmovic-Terman, 52; designer, collector, writer, proprietor; of Chicago’s West Walker neighborhood; passed away peacefully Saturday, January 21, 2023. Born in Sarajevo (formerly Yugoslavia), Irena graduated from Ivan Goran Kovacic Elementary School and First Gymnasium High School. Her study of languages at the University of Sarajevo was interrupted by the Bosnian War. Irena and her then- boyfriend Ronald Terman (whom she met at age sixteen), left Sarajevo for Zagreb, Croatia, where they married on September 4, 1994. The couple moved to refugee communities in Germany and the Netherlands before seeking political asylum in the United States. Irena’s first jobs in Chicago were at newspaper kiosks and bookstores at O’Hare Airport. She then worked as a bookseller and in management at various Chicagoland Barnes & Noble stores, at Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square, and as a designer-sales associate at Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design in Skokie. In 2021, the Termans realized their long-standing dream and opened Proper Bonkers, an antique/vintage art, furniture, and design shop in Old Irving Park. Irena was a fiercely intellectual, savvy, strong, and creative woman. She loved reading, writing, interior design, music, dancing, entertaining, gardening, sewing, and trolling auctions for unique items. Beloved wife of 29 years to Ronald (“Roca” or “Role”) Terman, devoted mother of Marlon Vincent Peter Terman. Cherished daughter of Dubravka Sicanica Dujmovic Gudelj, dear sister of Inga Dujmovic, adoring aunt of Rudi Jovanovic, all of Sarajevo. Preceded in death by father Vinko Dujmovic and son Louie Anton Leopold Terman. Faithful trusted companion of Boogie the Chow Chow/Belgian Shepherd mix. Irena also leaves behind many bereft friends, who gathered to tearfully celebrate her life on February 11 at Tom Robinson Art Studio. Burial of cremated remains, Saturday, February 18, 12noon, Graceland Cemetery. Due to construction at the main entrance of Please enter the cemetery at Clark and Hutchinson. Head directly to the chapel for a brief service of remembrance before procession to the gravesite. Friends are encouraged to bring flowers that remind you of Irena to leave atop her grave. Donations may be made to the family to offset final expenses. Arrangements entrusted to Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.inclusivefuneralcare.com

Irena Dujmovic-Terman

December 12, 1970 - January 21, 2023