Mara Brkovich

March 3, 1929 – October 2, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Mara Brkovich, at the Huron Lodge Long Term Care on October 2, 2026 in her 98th year.

Mara was born on March 3, 1929 in the village of Necvijece near Trebinje, Hercegovina to her parents Mihailo and Stana Ninkovic. Mara and her siblings - Kosa, Nikola and Boro - helped their parents on the family farm. Those happy memories of her youth remained engraved in her heart. Mara never forgot her humble roots and later extended generous assistance to those who remained behind.

Like many young men from Hercegovina, Mara’s father worked in the gold mines near Jackson, California in the 1890s. Until his return home before the Great War he was also a member of the first Serbian Orthodox Church in North America built by the miners in Jackson. When he died during World War II the family was forced into hiding. Life was hard and frightening after his death, but Stana and her children survived the wartime challenges with strength, resilience and unwavering faith. Soon Mara blossomed into a beautiful, statuesque and dignified young woman who was engaged in 1954 to Stevo Brkovich.

Stevo was one of the first wave of early Serbian immigrants who arrived in Windsor 100 years ago after World War I. Thirty years later he married his beautiful bride, Mara, and they enjoyed a happy life until his passing in 1987. Stevo worked tirelessly in the family business - “Steve’s Confectionary” - on Wyandotte Street in downtown Windsor while Mara managed the family household and raised their three sons - Bob (Blazo), Mike (Milan) and Donny (Dragan). Mara and Stevo nurtured a warm, loving home for their sons who were the primary focus of their lives. Over the years the Brkovich family welcomed a steady flow of Serbian and Canadian friends to their home who Mara enjoyed treating to her many culinary masterpieces.

Mara was a proud and grateful Canadian because it was here that she found freedom and a happy, fulfilling life. She and Stevo also honoured and preserved their Serbian Orthodox heritage. Stevo is acknowledged as one of the founders of the Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church. It was in this beautiful church where he and Mara were crowned in marriage, where they christened their sons, and where they remained active for many years. From the time of her arrival, Mara was also a member of the Circle of Serbian Sisters “Princess Helena”.

Soft-spoken, articulate, and measured with her words, Mara exemplified quiet wisdom and strength. Her patient, positive outlook set a fine example for her sons who cared for her throughout her long convalescence. To her final breath, Mara’s abiding faith in God sustained her until He welcomed her to her eternal home.

Mara’s sons were her greatest pride and joy. Sadly, her greatest sorrow was the sudden passing of her firstborn, Bob, in 2018. Life was never the same for her again. Mara was also predeceased by her dear husband, Stevo, her parents and her three siblings. She is survived by her sons, Mike and Donny, daughter-in-law Renee, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike and Donny Brkovich extend their sincere thanks to the medical staff and many caregivers at Amica and Huron Lodge Long Term Care who provided their mother with excellent and compassionate care. They thank the friends who visited or called. Above all, they are grateful to God for the wonderful woman who was their beloved mother and for the many years they shared with her. They will always cherish memories of her love and goodness. May she rest in peace in God’s heavenly Kingdom. She will be deeply missed by her devoted sons, her relatives and her faithful friend, Nada Ljepava.

A private funeral and burial have taken place honouring Mara’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church or the Serbian Heritage Museum. Arrangements entrusted to the Anderson Funeral Home and Cremation Centre – 895 Ouellette Ave. – 519-254-3223. Please join us in remembering Mara by visiting her memorial at www.andersonfuneralhomewindsor.com.