Maja Mirjana Peric

With unimaginable sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend, Maja Mirjana Peric, who left this world far too soon on July 30, 2026, at just 10 years old.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Maja filled every room she entered with laughter, kindness, and a smile so bright it could turn even the darkest day into one filled with hope. She had a beautiful soul—gentle, compassionate, endlessly curious, and wonderfully full of life. She had a way of making people feel like lifelong friends within moments of meeting them. To know Maja was to love her.

She saw beauty everywhere. Whether she was drawing, painting, making crafts, exploring nature, walking along the beach, shopping for something colourful, or simply spending time with the people she loved, Maja found joy in life’s little moments. Her favourite colours were lilac and every colour of the rainbow—a perfect reflection of the brightness she carried within herself. There was almost always a paintbrush, a handful of markers, or a new craft in her hands as she eagerly created something beautiful. She had a gift for bringing colour and happiness into everything she touched, and she did the same for everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Maja’s heart was as remarkable as her imagination. Her dreams changed often—from becoming a nurse, to a police officer, to a veterinarian—but one thing never changed: she wanted to help others. Whether it was people or animals, Maja’s greatest desire was simply to make the world a kinder place.

In that same spirit of love, Maja was able to give the most extraordinary gift of all—life. Through organ donation, she saved the lives of two children, a final act that reflects the depth of her compassion and the goodness she carried in her heart. It is a comfort beyond words to know that even in her passing, Maja’s love continued to live on in others.

Maja would have given even more if she could have. She would have loved to save another child with her heart, but it was simply too big—an innocent and beautiful truth that perfectly captures who she was. A heart so full of love, so full of life, and so full of generosity that it quite literally could not give any more. Even in that, she remains a symbol of everything she was: boundless love, boundless spirit, and boundless kindness.

She was an incredible daughter who brought endless pride and joy to her parents, Vanessa Bozko and Stefan Peric. She was also the most loving big sister to Zarko, whose biggest fan, greatest teacher, and closest friend she was. She encouraged him to try new things, celebrated every accomplishment, patiently helped him learn, and constantly reminded him that he was capable of anything. Their bond was one built on unconditional love, laughter, and countless memories that will forever remain in his heart.

She was also Mom’s greatest little helper. Whether she was tidying up around the house—or the unforgettable day she decided to “help” by using her little brother as a broom—Maja’s heart was always in the right place. She loved making people laugh and somehow managed to turn even ordinary days into memories her family will cherish forever.

Maja also had a wonderfully mischievous side. After being grounded one day, she decided the best way to express her frustration was to cut her own hair. She even left behind a handwritten note explaining that she wasn’t happy with the haircut—but not to worry, because “it will grow back.” It was classic Maja: independent, funny, and impossible not to smile about.

She had quite the sweet tooth and never missed an opportunity to ask for dessert. She loved her favourite snacks and a warm cup of tea, and if someone told her “no,” she always had another plan. One day, after politely asking for a snack and hearing the answer she didn’t want, she confidently replied, “But I said please, so you have to do it.” That innocent logic, delivered with complete confidence, became one of the countless little moments that made everyone laugh and perfectly captured the sweetness of her heart.

Maja also leaves behind her beloved furry companions—Meow Meow, Puffy, and Kitty Kat—who were undoubtedly spoiled with endless cuddles, conversations, and probably a few sneaky treats whenever no one was looking.

She will be forever loved and deeply missed by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, countless friends, classmates, teachers, and everyone whose lives were made brighter simply because Maja was part of them.

Although her time with us was heartbreakingly short, the love she gave was immeasurable. She taught us to laugh loudly, love deeply, create fearlessly, help others without hesitation, and find beauty in every colour life has to offer.

As difficult as it is to say goodbye, we find comfort in our Catholic faith and in the promise found in the Book of Wisdom:

“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them… They are at peace.” — Wisdom 3:1–3

Our hearts will never be the same, but neither will the world, because for ten beautiful years it was blessed with Maja’s light.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our little rainbow.

Visitation will be held at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 pm. Cremation to follow.