Ružica Bašic

Ruzica Basic who many knew her as “Baba Rose” or “Strina” was a remarkable woman. She was very independent; never scared of anything, her generosity and hospitality were exceptional. She was famous for her square pizzas and homemade cinnamon buns. You never left hungry. She always put other people’s needs before her own. She was sensitive when something bothered her, but most of all, full of life. She loved and lived life to the fullest. She taught her children the greatest values, gave them life and all the best of it. She showed them the goodness in life, honesty, hard-work in hopes they pass on down to their children what they learned from her. Her family is proud and thankful to God to have this woman as their mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Happy for every moment spent with her.

This woman, with a big heart, is survived by her three beautiful children, Rajko, Kate i Marija. Her nine grandchildren...Luka, Antonia, Victoria, Adrianna, Daniel, Mark, Jake, Olivia, Matija, her Great grandson Maksimir, her daughter in law, Suzanna and son in laws, Stipe and Nikola as well as other family and close friends.

Her life didn’t pamper her at all. She fought hard and went through many hardships but kept focused on what was truly important in life, not only when it was easy, but when it was difficult as well. Losing her father at the age of three in WW2 and her mother at the age 25, is where she drew her strength to be, who she was.

Ruza was born 18 September 1939 in Pozega to Filip and Kate Knezovic and after her father’s passing her mother, brother and herself, moved to Voloder. In Zagreb, she started her family with the birth of her son, Rajko in 1965. With a heavy heart and sadness, she left and started a new life journey in Vancouver in 1972, with her late husband Stipe. Her family continued to grow with the birth of their daughters, Kate and Marija in 1973.

Ruzica is at peace and her struggles are at an end. There is pain and sadness for those of us that loved her and mourn her loss. But even though she is gone, her love and her memories will always be remembered. In her last days, she mentioned to her daughters, Kate and Marija that their late father Stipe visited her in the hospital and took her hand to show her the way back to his heart. 25 February 2024 was a cloudy day, but when she decided her final departure, a patch in the sky opened and welcomed her.

A wish from her family is that God grant her eternal peace and tranquility. Ruza is now in a better place and will live in faith and hope that her family will meet again one day in heavenly heights. You will be forever loved. May you both rest in peace. We love you Mama and Tata!