2024 JOANNE ABDO

It is a great honor to present the 2024 CroatiaFest Outstanding Croatian award to Joanne Abdo.
Joanne has lived her life with an unwavering dedication to being a nurturing leader of our
Croatian community as is evident in many aspects of her life. From teaching a child to dance,
adding the 5,000th bead to a Kraluš necklace, to organizing 700 attendees to attend a Croatian
Heritage Mariners game, to playing tamburitza music and singing with both old and new friends
Joanne has given her life to sharing her passion for her heritage and for the joy she finds in the
Croatian communities across the globe. As a teacher, performer, and community organizer,
numerous Croatian organizations thrive under her leadership, hands-on involvement, and warm,
welcoming personality.
Born in Seattle to Cathryn and John Morovich Sr., and sister to John Morovich, Joanne inherited
a deep sense of pride in her Croatian ancestry from her parents, who trace their roots to the
Dalmatian islands of Zlarin, Rava, and Dugi Otok. Cathryn and John Sr. nurtured an
appreciation for culture by teaching authentic songs, cooking traditional food, instilling the
values of honoring family, and fostering a reverence for the Roman Catholic Church. She credits
the ability of harmonizing to her great aunts and uncles – The “Singing Satlows” who owned a
family run tavern in Hoguim, WA. To this day, she hears their voices in her mind while singing
and finding the right musical notes. Also, in her childhood, Croatian music was continuously
played at home, in the car, and seeping through the walls of her brother John’s room. It is
because of his deep love for Croatia that has educated her in learning the language, history,
culture, and traditions in which he strictly insisted that everything must be correct and accurate.
Joanne continues to embrace these values and traditions, singing with her family and
participating in church celebrations integral to her upbringing.
Following in her brother’s footsteps, at age 13, Joanne joined the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans,
where she spent years learning and performing the instrumental music, songs, and dances of
her grandparents' homeland. Joanne fondly remembers performing annually at “Kavana”,
forming friendships, attending dinner dances, and participating in an unforgettable 1981 tour in
"The Old Country," which included a highlight performance at the CFU Junior Federation
Festival in Lisinski Hall in Zagreb.
After graduating from Kennedy High School and Highline Community College, Joanne became
a travel agent for 14 years and subsequently a dental office administrator. She pursued her
passion by studying and performing Croatian folklore as a member of the Vela Luka Croatian
Dance Ensemble for 10 years. Highlights include two performing tours with VLCDE in 1988 and
in 1990, performing at the Seattle Opera House, and participating in their CD recording. It was
during this time, adorned in Bratina costume, that Joanne developed a profound appreciation for
the intricate artistry of Croatian traditional attire, particularly the beautiful stitching and
beadwork. Her passion for costume-making endures today, evident in her mastery of crafting
the 5000-bead Kraluš necklace, restoring vintage costumes, and meticulously handcrafting
beaded and stitched costume pieces.
During Croatia’s War of Independence, Joanne joined a group of Croatian Americans who
lobbied American legislators and senators to recognize Croatia as a country in Washington DC
at event called Croatian Days on the Hill.
In 1996, Joanne married Patrick Abdo, who has since become an "Honorary Croatian". Joanne
and Patrick are active members of Holy Rosary Parish, where the Festa Tri Kralja has been
celebrated for the past 25 years. This event, featuring a Tamburitza Mass and luncheon to mark
The Epiphany, raises funds for St. Joseph's orphanage near Zagreb where Joanne has visited
twice. Over the years, this event has raised over $100,000 for the orphanage. Joanne plays in
the orchestra for the Mass and directs the children's procession (in full costume) and their vocal
performance. This cherished community event owes much of its success to Joanne's dedicated
efforts.
Joanne's journey with the Seattle Jr. Tamburitzans began as a teenage novice, and over the
past 25 years, she has grown to become their lead dance instructor, choreographer, and
costume manager. Founded in 1970 with just 14 youngsters, the SJTs started modestly,
equipped with antiquated instruments and mismatched costumes. With the help of her brother
John’s steadfast guidance and expertise, the group has evolved into a sophisticated ensemble
that celebrates its 54th season this year. With over 500 young members having passed through
its ranks, the SJTs have become renowned across the Pacific Northwest for their vibrant
performances that honor the musical traditions of Croatian ancestry.
For a quarter-century, she has patiently taught children aged 4-18 the intricate songs and
dances of Croatia, leading them in performances from local venues like the Seattle Center to
prestigious stages such as Zagreb’s Lisinski Hall. Known affectionately as "Teacher Jojo,"
Joanne is beloved by her students, who fondly remember her supportive presence and
guidance. Her impact transcended the stage when she was honored by one of her dancers who
celebrated her in a special elementary school presentation, a testament to the admiration and
respect she inspires. A highlight of the SJT's 2019 trip to Croatia was Joanne's directing the SJT
kids' performance on Croatian National Television's "Dobro Jutro Hrvatska". The SJTs have had
7 memorable performing tours in Croatia.
Under Joanne's tutelage, two of her students have achieved the prestigious honor of joining the
renowned "Tamburitzans" ensemble in Pittsburgh, PA, highlighting her exceptional teaching and
mentorship. Graduates of the SJT program reflect on their time with gratitude, cherishing the
opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Croatian folklore during their
formative years. Beyond teaching dance and music, Joanne's leadership fosters a sense of
community and cultural pride among her students, offering them an invaluable escape from the
digital world into the realm of ancient performance art.
Joanne's passion for Croatian traditional costumes shines through in every SJT performance.
Her craftsmanship is evident in the meticulously beaded headpieces, intricate stitching, and
beautifully restored costumes worn by the members. Whether on stage or behind the scenes,
Joanne's dedication to preserving and showcasing Croatian cultural heritage remains a
cornerstone of the SJT's success and legacy.
Joanne is also part of the SJT alumni band called Kišobran, formed in 2012. Over the years,
she has performed as a guest performer with the Radost Folk Ensemble of Seattle, Orchestra
T-Rroma of Chicago, and Jele of Vancouver, Canada. She has also played tamburitza in three
performances of the Narodil Se Mladi Kralj directed by Mary Sherhart. Since 1982, Joanne has
been a regular participant at the Tamburitza Association of America's annual music festival who
honored her and her mom with the first annual Women in Tambura Award. It is through these
extravaganzas that she cherishes songs learned and long-lasting friendships made. In 2016,
Joanne, along with her mother and brother, received the Ethnic Heritage Council's "Gordon
Ekvall Tracie Memorial Award." She is an active member of CFU Lodge 439, the American
Slavic Womens Club and the Slavonian American Benevolent Society in Tacoma.
When the Seattle Mariners reached out to the Croatian Community to organize a Croatian
Heritage Day at the Mariners, Joanne “stepped up to the plate “ to organize the event. She
worked with the Mariners graphic department to design the Croatian themed souvenir T-shirts
and baseball caps. This year, the third year of this event, over 700 people attended, dressed in
the classic red and white checkerboard pattern of the Croatian flag, drawn by their passion for
sports and Croatian spirit. Planning this event as a solo volunteer is time-consuming but deeply
appreciated. Joanne approaches the organization of Mariners Day with generosity and
enthusiasm, evident in her joyful interactions with friends and the community on game day.
Joanne's impact on CroatiaFest has been profound. CroatiaFest aims to promote and preserve
Croatian culture while educating about Croatia's richness and beauty. Since its inception in
2003, Joanne has been integral to CroatiaFest's leadership, currently serving as the Festal
Coordinator. Joanne also collaborates closely with the Seattle Center to prepare the venue, and
she actively participates in monthly Festal meetings to learn from other ethnic festivals in the
greater Seattle area. Each year at CroatiaFest, Joanne can be found at the CroatiaFest
Merchandise booth, where she sells T-shirts and warmly greets both familiar faces and
newcomers. Joanne has dedicated considerable effort to coordinating with artists and suppliers
to ensure the production of high-quality, attractive T-shirts and sweatshirts that serve as
cherished souvenirs of the festival.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, CroatiaFest shifted to two consecutive years of virtual
programming. Joanne played a leading role in creating these virtual initiatives, collaborating
with her brother, mother, and Steven Mataya to conduct interviews in Croatian communities of
Anacortes, Gig Harbor, Roslyn, Ronald, and Cle Elum. She interviewed the Consul General of
Los Angeles Renee Pea via Zoom on the important topic of Croatian citizenship. Joanne and
her brother John narrated an online costume exhibit filmed on the stage of McCaw Hall
displaying museum quality textiles and garments from the collection of the Seattle Junior
Tamburitzans. These programs are now cherished resources available on the CroatiaFest
website's "Gallery" section, offering a lasting record of community resilience and cultural
celebration during challenging times.
As CroatiaFest marks its 20th anniversary, Joanne's ongoing dedication and leadership have
helped ensure its continued growth and success. Joanne's enduring contributions to
CroatiaFest and the broader Croatian community exemplify her selfless dedication. Her greatest
reward lies in witnessing the impact of her work on others—the twirl of a beautifully costumed
dancer, the harmonious melodies of ancient songs, and the tears of joy from proud parents at
performances in old Croatian village squares.