Mary Brklacich

Mary’s life story, defined by love of family and unwavering optimism, began on a farm near Otočac, Croatia where her grandmother’s warmth and love surrounded her as her parents toiled in the fields. Her family and friends were the centre of her life, her purpose. She always made sure everyone was having a good time, whether it was as the host of noisy dinners, where she was always the last person to sit down and then declare “Dig in!” or welcoming new friends into her community. Her last quarter century, when she and her late husband Tony lived in North York, was a special time filled with new adventures and community service. During this time challenges such as Tony’s fading health and a couple of falls were countered by her “Just one day at a time” optimism. Mastering lawn bowling in her 80’s with her closest friend Martha, exploring Toronto’s parks as a member of the North York Seniors walking group and learning to navigate Netflix in her 90’s were all completely unexceptional as age was not a barrier to Mary’s spirit. Mary was a driving force and loyal supporter of St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church’s 55+ Club, where she developed everlasting friendships, was the first to volunteer without being asked, and with the knitting group, produced and donated 1000’s of scarves and hats to numerous charities.

Mom/Nema/Mary bounced back from several health setbacks over the past 18 months, but the latest challenge proved to be too big a hill for her to climb. On Friday 19 June 2026, she chose to transition from active medical treatment to palliative care, and she quietly passed away on the 21st, just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday.

Mary (née Markovich) was predeceased by parents Kate and Mija, brother Frank, sister Annie Romagnuolo and husband Rocco, and Tony, her husband of 72 years. Her love and optimism continue to inspire her daughter Lynda, her son Michael and daughter-in-law Jean Down, granddaughter Audrey Gill and husband Jason, and her granddaughter Kathryn.

Thank you to Altea and Vihanga from Mosaic Home Care who were very special to Mary and helped her enjoy an additional nine months in her home. And thank you to staff and residents at Canterbury Place Retirement Residence who helped Mary through two rough patches and to the medical team on floor 3W at North York General Hospital who comforted Mary during her final week.

We ask that you follow Mom’s/Nema’s/Mary’s wishes and that in lieu of flowers, you consider donating in Mary’s name to the North York Harvest Food Bank or North York General Hospital Seniors Health Centre.

“JUST ONE DAY AT A TIME!”