With heavy hearts we announce the death of Dragica (Granny) Tomasic, aged 84 years, on December 19, 2017. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at St Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, following a brief illness.
Dragica’s loving smile and generous heart will be missed by her daughter Rosie Jacuzzi (Paul); son John Tomasic; granddaughter Robin Jacuzzi-Loewen (Brock); sisters Ruza Delosevic and Magda Car; sisters-in-law Donna Jelencic and Slavica Jelencic; nieces and nephews; and her legions of friends; and extended family in Croatia, Winnipeg, the Red Lake area, across Canada and the USA.
Granny is predeceased by her parents Mijo and Magda Jelencic; Zlatko Ivan, her loving husband of 50 years; brothers Stjepan Jelencic and Nick Jelencic; and sister Katica Starecincic.
Dragica was born on June 28, 1933, the eldest of six children, raised in the rural village of Skaljevica Croatia and was married in 1955. Emigrating to Canada in 1957 with her infant daughter and after a harrowing journey, they arrived in Winnipeg to reunite with Zlatko, her husband. After the birth of their son John in 1960, they moved to Cochenour, Ontario where the family lived, prospered and became beloved and respected members of the community. A hard worker all her life, she was employed by local mines as a cook and in custodial roles and retired at age 65 caring for the Red Lake Airport with the Improvement District. Upon her husband’s death in 2005, Dragica moved back to Winnipeg to be close to her daughter’s family and friends.
Granny was an avid gardener and always provided beautiful lettuce and vegetables fresh from her meticulously tended gardens. She also loved to cook and bake, famous locally for her perogies, hearty soups and cabbage rolls. Dragica enjoyed many years with her husband at their lakeside cabin where she enjoyed her big garden and family visits. Her home was called the “cookie house” because she always had delicious treats for the local children that loved to visit her. Dragica was a delightful hostess, greeting visitors with a glass of her wine, a big smile and would soon appear with rolls, cold cuts and bake goods. She loved a good party and always had time to entertain her friends and family. She soon became “Granny” to anyone that would meet her. Even the dogs and cats loved her!
Dragica had an unconditional love for her family and would demonstrate it daily in so many ways. She was very proud of the professional achievements of her children and granddaughter and her home was filled with their photos. Her family is grateful for her frequent weekly visits we enjoyed and the many wonderful vacation trips that we shared together over the years.
A special thanks to Dr. Kevin Coates for his dedication and care over many years; and the medical team at St Boniface ICU for their outstanding life-saving efforts and end of life care.
All family and friends are invited to a Remembrance Service and Celebration of Dragica’s life to be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard in Winnipeg. Refreshments and music will follow.
Dragica loved flowers though if people wish, donations in her memory may also be made to the Misericordia Foundation or the charity of their choice.
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