Dragica Delisimunovic

Baba lived a full and generous life, dedicating herself to her family and making the profound sacrifice of leaving her home in Croatia so she could help her daughter raise her grandchildren and reunite in Canada. She was happiest when cooking for her loved ones, tending to her garden and caring for her cherished flowers - simple joys that reflected the kindness, warmth, and devotion she shared with all of us.

Born in Vlašići, Croatia, on April 19, 1937, to Barbara and Nikola Vlašić, Baba Dragica was preceded in death by her husband, Josip Delišimunović. She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Anka, her son in law, Peter, her granddaughters Adriana and Anita (Johnny Wu), and her great granddaughters Arianny and Amaia, along with extended family across Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Canada and the United States. Known affectionately as “Baba” by everyone who met her, she embraced friends’ children as if they were her own grandchildren. She held a special fondness for the Gundić family - Ivan, Biserka, Christian, and Philip - sharing Sunday gathering rituals, meals and a deep sense of togetherness.

Baba was the heart of our family — our matriarch not just by age or tradition, but through the strength, love and grace she carried into every part of her life. She had a memory like a library, recalling stories, details and moments that kept our family’s history alive.

Baba integrated into life in Canada by working at Jolly Chef at the YVR airport for 16 years. She formed many lifelong friendships with her colleagues and truly enjoyed the sense of community and connection she found there. When she hung up her apron for the day, Baba loved settling into her recliner lay-z-boy chair with her favourite blue blanket and hot water bottle by her side, spending her evenings watching soap operas, Family Feud, ER, Mary Berg, Superstore, cooking shows and Christmas Hallmark movies.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who supported and guided Baba throughout her cancer journey: Dr. Steven Wong, Dr. Alexandros Alexiadis, Dr. Stewart Mawdsley and Dr. Ali Qazalbash.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Parish (3105 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5M 1B5). This will be followed by a mausoleum burial at Ocean View Burial Park – South Mausoleum at 12:30 p.m., and a remembrance reception luncheon at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4E4).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Baba Dragica’s honour may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.

“It’s hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember”. Her love shaped us, and her spirit will continue to guide us.