Marija Prsa

It is with unmeasurable sadness and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Mama and Baka - Marija (Ljubi?i?) Prša of Thunder Bay, aged 84 years young.

Marija (Mary) was born in Aržano, near the beautiful Adriatic coast of Croatia in 1941. Mary courageously and independently left her home and immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in the late 1960's where she was graciously welcomed by her brother Ljubo and sister-in-law Kata. While staying with them she quickly found a job in a furniture factory and then met the love of her life and soul mate Nikola (Nick) Prša. Soon after getting married, they moved to Thunder Bay where Mary was an equal partner in building the local family business 'Nick's TV'. On the service side, she worked side-by-side with Nick to assist with diagnostics and repairs. On the sales side, they both enjoyed engaging with their customers, many of whom became life-long friends.

Shortly after establishing their business, Mary and Nick started a family and welcomed their three children. Mary was the heart and soul of the home and was the perfect wife and mother; one that every child dreams of having. She was generous, kind, selfless, loving, encouraging, wise, and forgiving. She encouraged us to focus on our education, to work hard, travel, become independent and most importantly carry her faith. Mary cherished her role as a homemaker and mother and loved having a full house. Her door was always open, along with hot coffee on the stove, and home-made desserts on the table. She greeted everyone with her infectious smile, sparkling eyes and open heart. Despite English being her second language, Mary could strike up a conversation with anyone, and a day didn't go by where she didn't have visitors.

Later in life she was excited to welcome her beloved sons-in-law Patrick and Sergio into the family. The best phase of her life began when she became a Baka with the arrival of her grandson Nicholas, her 'Sunce' (Sunshine), followed by her beloved granddaughter Mila. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and became the new focal point in her life. There was never a day that went by when she did not communicate with her grandkids and would travel to see them at every opportunity.

Most importantly, Mary was a woman of tremendous faith which contributed to her constant positivity and love of life despite any obstacles that came her way. She was a dedicated parishioner at the Croatian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and rarely missed a Sunday mass and always found time for daily prayers. Most recently, she was overcome with joy watching her grandson Nicholas become an alter server at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta and then was elated to be present for her granddaughter Mila's First Holy Communion at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Toronto.

Welcoming and embracing Mary into Heaven are her parents, Mate and Filipa Ljubi?i?; her five brothers, Mišo, Ante (Anka), Ivan (Anka), Ljubo, and Pero Ljubi?i?; her niece, Boženka Ljubi?i?; dear friends Marija and Lillian Madunic and our beloved Striko Mile (Mike) Prša.

Devastated by her loss are her husband of more than 56 years, Nikola; her children Ann (Patrick), Peter, and Susy (Sergio); and her grandchildren, Nicholas and Mila. She also leaves behind many brothers- and sisters-in-law across Toronto, Chicago, Croatia, and Germany (including Kata Ljubi?i?, Iva Ljubi?i?, Joso and Ivka Prša, Anka Mandaric, Franjo and Manda Prša, and Ivica Prša) and many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren whom she also loved. Mary had so many life-long friends, some that have passed and many that are still with us, to list would be too extensive. Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude for the many medical professionals that have taken care of our mom over the past few years including Dr. Branch and Dr. Wesley. We would also like to thank all of our Mama's dear friends that have helped us navigate this difficult time including Ana Safar, Kuma Rose Pileggi, Lucija Klaric, Teta Mara Pavelic, and Mary Madunic.

May you rest in God's peace and may our Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary lead you into the heavenly kingdom. You are dearly loved and missed.
Draga Mara, Mama, Baka, Po?ivaj u miru Božjem i neka te Dragi Isus i Mila Gospa povedu u kraljevsto nebesko. Puno te vole tvoji Nickola, Ana, Pero, Suy, Patrick, Sergio, Sunce (Nicholas), i Mila.


FOTO: Private