Obituary of Kata Hodoba

March 13, 1936 - Hrtkovci, Serbia

November 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Kata Hodoba (née Grgić), beloved wife of the late Ivan Hodoba, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at the age of 87 years.

Kata was born on March 13, 1936, in Hrtkovci, situated in the Syrmia region of former Yugoslavia, which is present-day Serbia. She was the third of Anka and Pavle Grgić's four children. Unfortunately, only Kata and her younger sister Ivanka reached adulthood, as their older siblings Ana and Nikola passed away at a young age.

Kata's father, Pavle, lost his life during World War II, a void that Kata keenly felt throughout her entire life. She completed her primary education in her hometown, pursued secondary education in the city of Ruma, and went on to study economics in Belgrade.

In 1954, Kata married Ivan Hodoba, and for 59 years, they shared their lives until Ivan's passing in 2013. The couple had two children, daughter Tatjana (Tanya) and son Predrag. Their journey led them through Sremska Mitrovica, Šabac, and Belgrade before finding a home in Calgary over two decades ago.

Kata's career pathway saw her working as an accountant at “PIK Sirmium,” “Elektrodistribucija Šabac,” and "Autoput" before retiring in 1991. In the 2000s, Kata and Ivan moved to Canada, choosing Calgary as their final destination to be closer to their daughter and her family.

Known for her practical and pragmatic nature, Kata dedicated several years to volunteering at the Calgary Kerby Centre, where she lent a helping hand and showcased her skills in knitting, creating numerous sweaters, scarves, and hats for those in need. Her hobbies included knitting, embroidery, photography, and, in recent years, sharing her passion for visual art and poetry on social media. Kata cherished her role as a grandmother, taking care of her grandchildren with kindness and love.

On November 24, 2023, Kata peacefully departed this world at the Agapé Hospice in Calgary, after battling illness for a few months. She was 87 years old. Kata is survived by her daughter Tanya, son Predrag, grandchildren, Igor, Natasha, Aleksandar, Emily, and Ivan, great-grandsons, Adrian and Dominik, son-in-law Čedomir, daughter-in-law Sonja, grandson-in-law Aaron, and granddaughter-in-law Maggie.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Agapé staff for their exceptional assistance and support, a kindness that will forever be remembered.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Kata’s family here.

The family of Kata Hodoba invites you to a reception after the funeral. Friends and family will gather at the home of Tanya and Chad immediately following the funeral service. Light refreshments will be served

In living memory of Kata Hodoba, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW,Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.