Preminula:13.05.2024. (San Francisco, Kalifornija, Sjedinjene Američke Države)
Dob: 96
Gladys Agnes Ban was born December 30, 1927 from proud hardworking Croatian parents, Ivan and Nike Ban, in a house on Bessie Street, San Francisco, with the help of a midwife. She was named after the midwife's daughter. Gladys had three sisters: Helen, Mary, and Kaye, whom she loved dearly. While growing up, the family moved to two other houses, making 9 Bache St. the family's final destination. She attended Junipero Serra, Fairmont and James Denman Grade Schools, eventually graduating from Balboa High School in the fall of 1945. During high school and afterward, she worked at Koret of California.
One of Gladys' best memories growing up were summers in Mountain View working and staying with her mom and sisters cutting apricots to earn money for school clothes and supplies. Every weekend, their dad would visit with donuts in hand. On September 22, 1951, Gladys married her true love Dominic Puizina. After marriage, they lived with her in-laws Marula and Duje Puizina and brother-in-law Milo. When they were expecting their first child Darlene, Gladys became a full-time homemaker. Many of the summers for the Puizina family consisted of fishing trips to Clearlake Oaks.
Her second daughter, Donna, would take mom to Croatian extravaganzas at various locations, partying throughout, enjoying music, songs, food, drinks, Polkas and Kolos, family and friends, celebrating their proud Croatian heritage. Bus trips to Reno and Lake Tahoe with Donna, Paul and his mom, Mary Alvers, Helen, and Frank and the gang from Slavonic Mutual and Bene-volent Society (SMBS) were regularly scheduled events. She was an active member of SMBS, volunteering and serving alongside family "The A-Team".
Gladys always appreciated a great time, arriving early and staying late. Getaways also included mini trips to Ashland, Calistoga to celebrate the holiday tractor parade and wine tasting in Sonoma with Donna and Paul, Darlene and Stephen.
Later in life, she was unable to travel so TV became her companion. She loved her soaps; favorites, General Hospital, Hallmark movies, especially Christmas ones.
Mom was a gentle spirit – always going with the flow, a giver of unconditional love without judgment. She never complained nor did she ever swear. Mom had a great quiet strength and faith and said her morning and evening prayers daily with utmost dedication.
Gladys was predeceased by her parents Ivan and Nike Ban, loving husband, Dominic, her precious daughter Darlene Schwarz, brother-in-law Milo Puizina, in-laws Marula and Duje Puizina, her sisters and brothers-in-law Helen and Frank Forencich, Mary and Marty Barbero and John McCann, and childhood friend Mary Alvers.
Survived by daughter Donna Puizina-Alvers, sons-in-law Paul Alvers and Stephen Schwarz, sister Kaye McCann, and many wonderful nieces and nephews from the Barbero, Forencich and McCann families, in addition to cousins in the U.S. and Croatia.
A special shout-out to Lynne, Andrea and Melissa, Shawn and Eric, "Frankie" and "Dallas", for always making time to visit, sharing love and laughter.
Thank you to Roberto from ANX for his compassionate care. Since 2007, Donna and Paul have been on mom's medical journey. As of 2018, Donna became her full-time caregiver, making it possible for mom to stay in her own home.
A bright light was dimmed today, only to become a shining star in Heaven. Fly away angel – join the family awaiting you. Zivili!
FOTO: Private
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