Mrs Marija (Maria) Uljevic

It is with deep sadness that we wish to announce the passing of Marija Uljevic (nee Vlahovic) who entered into eternal peace on Friday, October 17th, 2014 with her family at her side at Richmond General Hospital.

Marija was born December 19th, 1934 in Split, Croatia. She is pre-deceased by her parents Jerka (Aracic) & Toma Vlahovic as well as by her daughter, Sheryl.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Ivan; daughters Albina (James), Janette (Dave), Mary (Dale) & Shannon (Vince) and her beloved Grand-Children: Johnny, Christopher (Jada), Sean, Gabriella and Olivia.

We as a family are heart-broken and will deeply miss our mother, grandmother, wife and best-friend. She was the pillar of strength for our family and lovingly was there to take care of each of us. Mom, we each thank you for raising us up in a culture foreign to you and leaving everything you knew behind you in Croatia. We appreciate the sacrifices you made for us in giving us a good life in Canada.

Marija will be remembered for her generous giving of all she had to others with her caring heart. She hosted and cared for countless relatives to help them settle a new life in Canada.

During WW2 Marija and her siblings lived with Nuns in the towns of Baska Voda & Brela. During this time her gift of singing was discovered as was her ability to compose music and lyrics. Her artistic abilities led her to be a lead soprano at the Splitska Opera House.

In 1956, Marija met & married John Ivan and in 1958 she followed her husband to start a new life in Vancouver, Canada. She placed her dreams of singing aside to raise her family on the West Coast of Canada while managing the family business.

Marija will be remembered for her beautiful singing voice, the lyrics she wrote and her hospitality and warmth to all who shared in her home cooked delicious meals. Mom loved cooking with her family and she shared fond memories cooking with her pre-deceased brother-in-law Mario. Marija enjoyed gardening, baking apple pies harvested from the trees in her yard and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She looked forward to her visits with her friend, Pat, who shared such precious time which Marija cherished.

Prayers will be offered at 7:00 pm on Tuesday October 28th and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday October 29th at Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Catholic Church, 3105 E.1st Ave, Vancouver.