HANZEK, Maria “Mica / Cica”
September 1, 1946 — May 27, 2020
Maria went to be with the Lord on May 27, 2020 at the age of 73, after a long struggle with cancer, while under the care of the professional and caring staff of Hospice House in Kelowna, BC.
She leaves behind her son Chris and daughter-in-law Annika and their children Eva, Emilia, Emanuel, and Gabriel; and her sister Janja Kropik; she is also loved by a large extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Ivan and Jula and her sister Katarina “Katica”. Maria had a special relationship with her grandchildren, and she brought Ruby (cat) into her their lives; Ruby will remind us of her.
Born in Racinovci, Croatia on September 1st, 1946, Maria grew up on a farm with her two sisters. She went to high school, in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, and she moved to Osijek, Croatia to start her working career. Along with her husband, Kreso, they came to Burnaby with only one suitcase and the clothes on their backs. She worked as a photofinisher until her retirement in 2011 when she decided to join her son and grandchildren in moving to West Kelowna.
She loved to travel, including travelling back to Europe to see family and visit the village she grew up in. She a had a love of traditional Croatian music. And she volunteered at the Okanagan Croatian Club as recording secretary along with other duties.
A very social person, Maria formed life-long friendships in all the places she lived. She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends as well as tend to her garden and visit people or talk to them on the phone.
Maria, you will be missed by many!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes, 2547 Hebert Rd, West Kelowna, BC, with Father Rex Velmonte officiating. Interment will follow at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House – KGH, hospicehousekelowna.com. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED/BROADCAST WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020 AT 10:00 AM
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de HANZEK Maria “Mica Cica September 1 1946 — May 27 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique