December 23, 1927 - April 5, 2020
OBITUARY for BAJICH, Mary
Mary Bajich (December 23, 1927 - April 5, 2020)
Mary passed away peacefully at the age of 92. She was born in Zumberak, Croatia. As a child, along with her mother Barbara, Mary travelled to Canada joining her father Frank who had emigrated earlier to settle the family in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mary was a kind, loving lady with an infectious laugh and a warm presence. She was happiest when surrounded by family or when tending to her menagerie of pets at the family farm in Nanaimo. Mary spent her early years working in the payroll departments of the Royal Bank and the Eureka Sawmill in Nanaimo. Later, she stayed at home to raise her five children. Mary was a talented and creative seamstress and tailor. She enjoyed many wonderful years with her sewing club gals. Her culinary skills were unsurpassed as she loved to cook meals and bake for family and friends. Her signature Croatian recipes remain family favorites. Mary was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, the Nanaimo Catholic Women's League and volunteered in earlier days for the Sisters of St. Ann's Convent in Nanaimo.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Barbara Vlasich and her husband, Joseph Bajich. She is lovingly remembered by her children Caroline, Mary-Ann (Hugh), Frank, George and Lydia; grandchildren Bradley (Andrea), Carmen (Stephen), Phillip (Tammy), Maleah (Brad), Samantha (Wolf) and Madison; great grandchildren Brooklyn, Mackenzie, Carter, Lyla and Oskar. Mary will be sadly missed by her family, many friends and relatives.
Mary's family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the wonderful, caring staff of the Kiwanis Village in Nanaimo where Mary lived in her final years.
On April 9th , 2020, a sunny spring day with songbirds in the air, Mary's five children laid her to rest at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens. A celebration of Mary's life will be held at a later date. No flowers by request. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please give to the non-profit seniors' care home where Mary resided. Address: Kiwanis Village at 1233 Kiwanis Crescent, Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 5Y1 Telephone: 250 753-6471. Website for donating: www.kiwanisvillage.ca