Marija Cizmic

Marija was born in the village of Tučepi, Croatia on August 1, 1942. It was in this small village that she would come to realize the importance of faith, kindness to others, hard work and, most importantly, family. Her childhood memories were of the village always coming together to support each other in times of need. Nobody had much, but together they had what they needed to be happy. Her dedication to her faith was nurtured by a deep connection to her childhood church, Sveti Ante. It was also there that she developed her love of animals where, as a young girl, she would take flocks of sheep up the Biokovo mountains to graze for months at a time. She would boast at being able to remember the names of each of the hundred sheep in her care.

In 1964, wanting her to experience a better life, her aunts and uncles from Vancouver and Seattle brought her to Canada. It was in Vancouver where she met her future husband, Ivan Čizmić, and the two soon married. Their marriage is a testament to love and devotion with them having celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier this spring. Their love, respect and commitment to each other was so beautiful to witness.

Marija then joined Ivan in Nimpkish where they raised their three children. In the small, close-knit camp, Marija quickly made many dear friends and, due to a swing set built by Ivan, their backyard was always full of children. Marija grew two of her passions while in Nimpkish: the joy of baking and gardening. Her vegetable garden was a sight to behold and, even though the camp is long gone, the cabbage planted can still be seen cropping up in various places.

In 1976, wanting to give the children more opportunities, the family moved to Campbell River. While Ivan worked away, Marija was lovingly raising the family and taking care of the home. It is in Campbell River that Marija really put down roots. She built a home full of love, compassion, and kindness. Her door was always open and there was always a seat at her table. Marija was happiest with a full house and would spend many nights hosting dinners for family and friends. She took pride in making every guest feel welcomed and special. Her favourite activities were going for long walks – taking great pleasure in meeting people along the way – and playing SKIPBO. Marija developed many lifelong friendships in Campbell River and greatly appreciated her time with them.

Marija found her true calling in being a grandmother (Baba) to her six grandchildren. No event in their lives was too small for her to be a part of. Whether it was cheering loudly at hockey, soccer, dance, and figure skating competitions, or attending piano and violin recitals, science fairs, and ‘Battle of the Books,’ or even just walking them home from school, Baba was always there for them. Wherever the children went, Baba was not far behind.

Baba took pride in instilling her faith and Croatian culture in her grandchildren, teaching them the history and language, and how to say their prayers in both English and Croatian. The tradition of lighting candles at home to remember loved ones who have passed was especially important to her. To her, having family sit around the table enjoying a meal they had prepared together was a key to keeping a family close. This was never more evident than during Sunday dinners that would see as many as 15 seated around a table specially built by her son-in-law, Zvonko. It was the little things that Baba did, such as making personalized aprons for each of the grandchildren when she was teaching them to bake, that would make them feel so special.

It was during the past three and a half months, after her diagnosis, that Baba showed her true strength in faith and family. She was determined to fill her time with memories of love and laughter. She loved having so many loved ones around her and felt extremely blessed by everyone who visited her. She was determined to live her life to the fullest and to walk the path God had chosen for her.

Baba always was and always will be an inspiration to her family. She was kind, honest, loving and hardworking. She lived her entire life with unwavering faith and integrity. She loved to make her family happy, especially her grandchildren who she loved more than anything. She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, warm hug, generous nature and unconditional love for everyone. Baba left us with wonderful memories and a legacy of love, faith and family that we will cherish forever.

Marija was predeceased by her parents, Ante and Nede Visković, and her brothers, Vice and Marko.

She is survived and will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 60 years, Ivan; her children, Sandra Čulo (Zvonko), Joseph, and Philip (Shelley); six grandchildren, Evan, Monica (Alec), Nicole (Tyrell), Manda (Chad), Maja, and Ivo; sister-in-law, Ivana; nephews, Ante, Ivo, and Stipe; niece, Marija; extended family, kumovi, and friends from Croatia, Canada, the United States and New Zealand.

A special thank you to Fr. Jan for the many visits and prayers. Thank you to Fr. Mel and Fr. Joseph for your prayers and to Robert and Laureen for your visits to give communion.

A sincere thank you to Dr. Douglas for the outstanding care and kindness you have always given Marija over the last 25 years and to the wonderful staff at Quinsam Medical.

Thank you to the wonderful emergency staff at the Campbell River Hospital and to the amazing doctors, nurses and care aides on 3B who were so good to Marija while she was there.

A special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Hunter, Dr. Morrison, Shauna, Jeanna, the entire palliative team and community nurses. We will never forget all the wonderful care and kindness that was shown to Marija. You were so instrumental in ensuring Marija’s wishes of remaining at home could be honoured.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church at 34 South Alder St., Campbell River. A prayer service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Marija Čizmić to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation (www.crhospitalfoundation.ca).