Obituary of Barbara Marjanovic

November 24, 1935 – Dojurtovica, Croatia

November 10, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Marjanovic (nee Kapusin), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the age of 88 years.
 

Barbara was born in Dojurtovica, Karlovačka Županija, Croatia, on November 24, 1935. Barbara was born into a life of hard work from the start. At the age of nine, following the completion of grade 3, Barbara’s mother pulled her out of school to help on the family farm. Barbara worked for wealthy families washing clothes to bring in extra money for the upkeep of the farm. At the age of fifteen, she decided to move to Vukovar with a family member who had provided her with a place to stay and found employment. She continued to send money to her mother to help her with expenses while trying to create a new life in Vukovar.

Barbara married Milan Marjanovic in 1961 and started a new and fulfilling life, though not without its challenges.

Her life was extraordinary, but one that was filled with many hardships. Barbara did many different jobs in Vukovar. She worked as a seamstress, first making running shoes in a factory, then moving on to making blankets in the Vutek factory. She worked long hard shifts. Soon after, she moved to Canada to try and make a better life, both Barbara and her husband worked extremely hard when they arrived in Canada. Her first job was as a cleaner and then she found a job with her sister at City Bakery in Bridgeland where she finished her working career.

Barbara started her next career as a caregiver for her husband and did what she did best: caring and looking after her husband with the greatest of love. That is what Barbara excelled at, caring and loving people.

Barbara was particularly proud of and devoted to her children and grandchildren. They brought so much joy to her life. She took pride in her cooking, baking, gardening, and family; it brought joy to her when she was able to give to others whether it was her cooking, her baking, or her funny quips.

She enjoyed going on trips with her children, made several trips to Germany to visit her father throughout her lifetime, and even went to Hawaii once. She will be remembered for her kind heart, strong will, strong faith in the Lord, and the love of her family. She is survived by her son Milan Marjanovic of Calgary, AB, his children Michael Marjanovic of England, and Ryan Marjanovic of Calgary, AB; her daughter Debbie Donald of McTaggart, SK, and her grandchild Andrew Donald of Regina, SK; her daughter Barbara Shenouda and son-in-law Hany Shenouda of Calgary, AB, and her grandchildren Matthew Shenouda and Katherine Shenouda of Calgary, AB; her daughter Mariana Russon of Victoria, BC, her children Tasha and Jennifer of Vancouver, BC, four great-grandchildren, one nephew, Stan Jakic and his wife Cathy of Calgary, AB.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Milan Marjanovic of Calgary, AB, her son-in-law Kevin Donald of McTaggart, SK, her sister Ana Jakic of Calgary, AB, her brother-in-law Slavko Jakic of Calgary, AB, and her nephew Mario Jakic of Calgary, AB.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at the Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Barbara’s family here.

In living memory of Barbara Marjanovic, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click Here to View the Memorial Card for Barbara Marjanovic