Zora Brnjac

Born in the wake of the Summer Solstice, her passing reminds us of what a magical woman she was, coming just as the Winter peak approached exactly 100 years later.

She was born on 23rd June 1924 to Frank and Zorka Znidarsic in Dojutrovica, Yugoslavia. In 1939, she immigrated by train and steamship to Port Alberni, Canada, with her mother and two brothers, Frank and Walter (who was almost lost on the way), to rejoin their father. Jim, her youngest brother, was born shortly thereafter.

It was while working at a plywood factory that she met a strapping young fisherman and fellow Croatian expat, Zlatko. Her working days were brief, as they married in 1947 and moved to the east side of Vancouver amongst a wave of fellow immigrants from the "Old Country" raising families in the new.

After their children Michael, Frank and Linda were soon, they moved further west to within walking distance of Churchill High. Zlatko, "Slats", commuted to Celtic shipyards for long excursions on his two ships, Corregidor and Adriatic Star, while Zora anchored the home, using the two-way radio in the basement to steer her husband home when the seas got rough. When calm, the summer boat picnics were legendary.

They moved east again to Burnaby just in time to become the Grandparents of Troy, Michelle, Claire and Michael. The home she made was the center of the family and a gathering place for friends: the best torte in town, dancing to Tom Jones into the wee hours, live music, card games, a bar in the basement... As they aged it became an ark of memories, albums of photos and slides, currency from countries no longer on the map, cassette tapes of upbeat music from another time.

Her parents, brothers, and beloved son Frank, passed before her. She is remembered and cherished by Michael and his wife Patty, Linda, and their children.

Zora loved making people and animals-her many cats-happy. And she did. She was loved and respected by many. Her name means "dawn" and wherever she is now, the sun is rising. We will miss you mom, always in our hearts.

Celebration of Life held Friday, January 10, 2025

From 12:30 - 3:00 at:

Hart House Restaurant - Lakeside Cottage

6664 Deer Lake Avenue

Burnaby, BC