Elizabeth Savich, MD

Elizabeth Savich, 86, of Longmeadow, MA, passed away in September 2023. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 49 years, the late Peter (Predrag) Savich, and her sister, Biljana Sljivich-Simsic. She was born in June 1937 in Belgrade, Serbia to the late Branko and Radojka Sljivich. She and her husband immigrated to the United States in the early 1960's.

Elizabeth had a remarkable career in the medical field as a beloved pediatrician with a specialty in neonatology in West Springfield, MA, breaking barriers at a young age as one of the few female doctors. She graduated from the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, in the early 1960s and passed her foreign boards a few years later. Elizabeth did her internship and residency at what was Springfield Hospital Medical Center. She continued her work at renowned institutions, including Baystate Medical Center, Wesson Women's, and Providence Hospital. She became Certified by the state of MA in the 1970s and Board Certified in Pediatrics a few years later. Dr. Savich worked part-time at Sumner Pediatrics with the late Joseph Stirlacci, MD, until she began her private practice in West Springfield, MA, in 1979. This is where she took care of families for over 25 years. Dr. Savich took great pride in working with her patients and watching them grow. Her biggest compliment was when her former patients returned with their own children to be under her loving care. In the 1990s, her youngest daughter became a pediatrician. Elizabeth and her daughter were one of the few mother-daughter pairs to have medical privileges at Baystate Medical Center at the same time.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elizabeth had a zest for life and cherished her time with family. She instilled the importance of work and family balance with her children and the meaning of quality family time. She loved entertaining her loved ones at home, showcasing her culinary skills, and creating memorable moments together.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving children, Alexander and his wife Catherine, Helen (predeceased by David), Natalie and her husband Jan, and her niece, Violet and her husband Tim. She was also a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 N Main St., East Longmeadow, MA. The family extends their gratitude to Forastiere for their assistance during this difficult time.

In honor of Elizabeth's life, visiting hours will be held Friday, October 6th, 2023, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm with a private service and burial to follow at a later date. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Marine Toys for Tots, an organization that Elizabeth supported in hopes of bringing smiles to all children.

Elizabeth Savich will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all. To leave an online condolence or for more information visit www.forastiere.com.