Dragica (Carol) Radocaj

February 17, 1941-December 2, 2025

Passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital at the age of 84. Dragica is now reunited with her beloved husband Janko (John) and her parents Frank and Barbara Borkovich. She will be dearly missed by her children Nancy (Joe Sardo), Theresa (late Mike Grosvenor) and Frank (Brinella), and was the most special Baba to Anthony, Jorden, Nicholas, Michael and Aiden, whom she adored and treasured very much. Dragica is also reunited with her brother and sister-in-law John and Slava Borkovich and will be fondly remembered as a special aunt to Joan (Romeo) Bertoli and Michael (Louise) Borkovich and their families in Sudbury. A special sister-in-law and aunt to the late Ljubo and Marica Brcic, Franjo and Danica Tomasic, the late Stanko, and Darinka Petrovic and their families. Dragica was also a special Kuma to John Stipancic, (late) Joe Skrtic, Josipa Skrtic and Audrey Geist

Dragica will be remembered for her strong Sudbury and Croatian roots and heritage. Growing up, she loved attending Sudbury Wolves hockey games, participating in Croatian Folklore song and dance groups and enjoying those “Sudbury Saturday Nights”. She was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union and couldn’t’ go without her Zajednicar subscription. In 1961, Dragica and Janko were married and eventually settled in Hamilton where together they raised their family. Dragica created and provided a warm, tender and supportive household and always had her family’s best intentions at heart. Dragica loved to bake, attend Croatian banquets where her and Janko would dance the night away and was always willing to provide assistance where needed. Whether on the phone with friends and family in Sudbury and Australia, in the backyard patio with neighbours and family or just walking around the block with Janko, Dragica had a zest for life and enjoying the moment. If there was a Croatian banquet or picnic happening, Dragica and Janko were sure to be there. Dragica was a proud supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs and always had an opinion on their losses and bad trades. She kept the house in line, always on the go, loving to walk wherever she needed to be. She dedicated the better part of her life to being the best Baba, going to the longest lengths to make sure everyone ate and drank while at Baba’s house. From whipping up a batch of Baba’s pancakes and cream, to learning all the Barney sing a-long songs, to walking around the house with the bowl of cut grapes, Baba was not giving up until everything was eaten.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Peters for making Dragica’s final few days comfortable as well as a very special thank you to the staff at Lakeview Retirement home for the care and support over the past 5+ years where Dragica was able to rejuvenate her life after the passing of her Janko. Mom was able to find her smile again.

Visitation will be held at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, located at 1774 King Street East, Hamilton, on December 8, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Prayer Service will be held at 4:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on December 9, 2025, at 11:00 am at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 304 Hwy 8, Hamilton. Burial will follow at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Cemetery, 681 Mud St E, Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Holy Cross Church will be appreciated.