Zlatana Jennie Draskovich

Zlatana Jennie Draskovich was born on December 20, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 of natural causes in Gary, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her Aunt and Uncle, Anga and Harry King, and her dear friends Roy L. and Nancy Corinne Brundidge. Jennie is survived by her cousins, Natalie N. Walton and Denise N. Bailey. 

Jennie was a long time teacher with the School City of Hammond until her retirement in 2013. She was a shop and mathematics educator at Hammond Vocational-Technology High School from 1971-1978; a mathematics educator at Hammond High School from 1978-1986; and a mathematics educator at Morton Senior High School in Hammond, Indiana. Jennie earned her Bachelor of Science in 1969 from Purdue University, Hammond, Indiana; her Master of Science in 1971 in Education from Purdue University, Hammond, Indiana, and Master of Arts in German from Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana in 1971. 

Jennie has been listed as a noteworthy High school educator by Marquis Who's Who. She was a Science Fair Judge at Purdue University Calumet, 1970-1986, Hammond, a Sponsor of the German Club Hammond Vocational-Technology High School, 1971-1978 and the Calculator Tournament Indiana University, Gary, IN, 1975-1986. Class sponsor at Hammond Public Schools, 1972-1986. She was also Director Math Calculator Olympiad, Hammond, 1987 - retirement; academic coach, Hammond, 1987 - retirement; Board of Directors Bethany Executive Board, 1971- retirement, and treasurer, 1978-1982; Member National Council Teachers Mathematics Gary Area Council; Teachers Mathematics American Association of University Women (chairperson judges Calumet chapter, 1975 - retirement, treasurer 1974-1976), American West Indian Association, Inc., and a member of the Purdue Alumni Association.

Jennie was an enthusiastic supporter of the Hammond Education Foundation providing scholarship support to graduating seniors from each Hammond high school and program funding. She loved supporting the students of the Hammond public schools. She excelled at playing chess and was highly rated nationally. Her passions included playing her grand harp, collecting miniatures and miniature domiciles, as well as gardening in her yard growing both vegetables and flowers. She loved spending time at the Indiana Dunes National Park and returned year after year, spending time near and on the water where she was at peace. She will be missed by her neighbors, friends and colleagues. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 28th, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home, located at 921 W. Glen Park Ave. (45th Ave.) Griffith. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hammond Education Foundation in honor of Zlatana. 

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