Tena Krunić, our beautiful Mom, died peacefully on July 22, 2023, just one week shy of her 94th birthday.
She was born in Croatia on July 29, 1929. She lived a long and difficult life, growing up in poverty and surviving two brutal wars. Fleeing her war-torn homeland and leaving behind all their belongings, their language, their culture as well as their hearts, she and my Dad settled in Canada. For the last 30 years of Tena’s life, this country was her home away from home. When my Dad died 20 years ago, Tena moved in with us. She was an integral part of our lives until her very last day.
Tena had a strong personality, a good sense of humour and was a big presence in everything she did. A seamstress by profession, she was also skilled at needlepoint. Her beautiful artwork will grace many homes for years to come. Tena was also an avid reader. She found pleasure in cooking and gardening but most of all, she enjoyed people. She loved to socialize, liked music and would never turn down a sip of plum brandy or a game of cards. She took playing seriously.
Our Lavica (Lioness), as many lovingly called her, was liked and respected by many. She was a caring mother and grandmother and a loving auntie to our relatives scattered around the world. On her walks, she was always greeted by her Cilaire neighbours who often stopped to check on her.
Tena was very fond of Berni whose help caring for Mom for years was indispensable. Berni became Tena’s last remaining close friend as well as a serious rival at cards. With familiar Croatian music in the background, playing cards became the highlight of each visit by Berni and Tena’s happiest moments. Berni even learned some Croatian so that the two of them could communicate.
Grieving Tena’s departure while celebrating her life are the closest members of her family: daughter Marija (John), son Vlado (Maca) and grandson Ivan (Kayla). Tena is in all of us. She will continue to live in our memories as long as we are around.
Respecting Tena’s wishes, her ashes will eventually be taken back to where she was born in Croatia and placed in our family grave.
Her Celebration of life will be held here in Nanaimo in the Fall, 2023.
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