Marija Novak

Born: September 17, 1935 – February 16, 2022

Our Mom and Nana passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2022; she is released from the vascular dementia that resulted from her May 2020 stroke. Mom had a tragic early life, her Mom died when she was 3 weeks old and her father just left her and her two brothers. They were raised by elderly maternal grandparents, and then orphaned upon their deaths. She escaped the former Yugoslavia with the love of her life Rudy after the death of their infant daughter. In 1957 they arrived in Canada for a better life and we are eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Mom was a strong, chic and inspirational lady who worked outside the home and still maintained an immaculate house with home cooked meals and baking. She had boundless energy and loved to entertain. Mom and Dad enjoyed their yearly trips to Hawaii and continued for many decades with this traditional holiday, meeting countless friends there annually.

We are forever grateful to the care family at New Vista Care Home in Burnaby for their extraordinary kindness and the compassionate care they gave Mom every day.

Mom was predeceased by adorning husband Rudy; her mother Matilda; brothers Alojz and Franjo; infant daughter Bozica, and countless Brothers in laws and Sister in laws, in Canada and Croatia.

Survived by her children, Lynda Conceicao (Mario), Tony Novak (Grace); grandchildren Ryan, Nicole (Brian), Christina (John), Rudy and great grandson Giovanni.

Mom will always be missed and held in our hearts forever, we are comforted that Mom has been reunited with her one true love Rudy, who has been waiting for her since 2021.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Parish, 3105 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver. Viewing will be held Monday, February 28, 2022 at Bell Funeral Home, 4276 Hastings Street, Burnaby from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Flowers gratefully declined donations to New Vista Long Term Care Home in Burnaby gratefully welcomed.