Marija Puharich

July 20, 1921 – February 18, 2018

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Marija Puharich announces her passing at the age of 96. Surrounded by family and enveloped in love, Marija’s passing marks the end of an era for the Puharich and Simic families.

Marija, the last surviving child of Stipan and Mande Simic, was born in Croatia’s coastal village of Tucepi, nestled in the foothills of the Biokovo mountains. She was predeceased by her loving husband Srecko Puharich and siblings Marko, Milena, Nede, Ivo, Zorka, Ante and Anica. Having survived the hardships of poverty, the atrocities of World War II and the turmoil of post-war Yugoslavia, Marija immigrated to Canada in 1954 – where she exemplified love of family, a kind and generous spirit, a simple and humble life, and hard work and sacrifice for her children.

She is survived by many adoring family members: son Marko, daughters Vesna and Kathy; daughter-in-law Jaime; son-in-law Bob; grandchildren Jennifer (Mark), Jessica (Dave), Robert and Jonathan; great grandchildren Theo, Maria, Rowan and Ante; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Very special thanks to the staff at Sunrise of Lynn Valley for their extraordinary compassion and care. The unwavering kindness and support provided by Aida, Azel and Melani will remain forever etched in the family’s memory.

Prayers will be held on March 2nd at 7:00 pm and a Funeral Mass on March 3rd at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Parish, 3105 East 1st Ave in Vancouver. The entombment will follow at Ocean View Burial Park, 4000 Imperial St. in Burnaby, along with a Celebration of Life at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Dr. in Vancouver at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Children’s Wish Foundation (http://www.childrenswish.ca/donate/) or Autism Canada (https://autismcanada.org/get-involved/donate/).