Mary Staresina

She was born on November 8, 1923 in Veselic Selo, Ribnik, Croatia. Predeceased by her Husband, Ivan, of 41 years and her Daughter, Ann Antolcic. Loving Mother of Steve (Claudette) of Moncton, and Marilyn (late Ante Kalic) of Burnaby. Loving Mother-in-Law of Frank Antolcic. Cherished Grandmother of Carol (Ante) Paulic, Susan Staresina, Nancy (Robert) Scaglione, Sheri (Mario) Mainella, Frank Antolcic Jr., Susie (Erkan) Esgin, Ashley (Lance) Rudek, and Jonathan Kalic as well as her 15 great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews in BC, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. Mara came to Canada in 1955 and they were one of the original members of the Croatian National Home in Hamilton. She worked as a factory worker as a Lead Hand until her retirement. She helped Marilyn raise Ashley and Jonathan after the huge loss of Tony, and they moved to BC to be closer to her Daughter and Son. Mara enjoyed baking and taking care of all her Grandchildren in the Burnaby area. In 2018, she moved to Oliver, BC. (in the Okaganan) to live with Steve, and she enjoyed weekly visits to his Art Gallery in Osoyoos as well as extended visits from Marilyn and families.

A private funeral was held on Tuesday, December 19th at Markey Dermody Funeral Home at 10 AM with Mass at the Holy Cross Croatian Church at 11:00 AM, followed by Holy Sepulchre Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her Husband, Ivan, and alongside her loving Son-In-Law, Tony.

Luncheon was held at the Lord Nelson Steakhouse, 650 Plains Road East, Burlington, in the ‘Lady Hamilton Room’.

The Family would like to thank Nicola Lodge Retirement Home, Belcarra Unit, in Port Coquitlam for their excellent care.

As well, the Family would also like to thank both funeral homes, Forest Lawn Funeral Home Burnaby, and Markey-Dermody Funeral Home Hamilton in their collaboration and compassion of processing her transfer from Vancouver to Hamilton.

The Family is honoured that she lived 100 years and beyond as well as receiving celebratory letters from the Prime Minister, Governor General, and King Charles.

The Kalic and Antolcic Families will have a Mass in honour of their Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother in Vancouver on Saturday January 6th 2024 followed by a dinner.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Holy Cross Croatian Church or The Heart and Stroke Foundation Canada.