PEKA GOSPIC (JOKIC)

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PEKA GOSPIC (nee JOKIC) Peacefully on November 27, 2003, at the age of 93, Peka Gospic was accepted into the hands of God. She was predeceased by her husband Martin in 1945; her stepsons, Blaz Gospic in 1943 and Luka Gospic in 1998; and her brothers, Ivan and Mate Jokic in 2002. She is survived by her son Branko (Tereza) of Winnipeg and daughter Tereza (Milan) of Hamilton; grand-children, Damir (Michelle) of Winnipeg, Katherina (Davor) Domic of Calgary and Nedljko (Lisa) of Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Danica, Marko, Drina, Dane, Lucas, Erik and Evan; nephews, Ante Jokic, Stipe Jokic and their families of Winnipeg and Jakov Jokic, Mirko Jokic and their families of Hamilton. She also leaves to mourn her stepchildren, Krizan Gospic and family in Australia, Toka Galisic and Luca Prtenjaca and their families and numerous other relatives in Croatia. Peka was born on February 4, 1910 in Radosinovac, Croatia. As a little girl she grew up working on the family farm learning and taking on responsibilities like many before her. On August 15, 1935 she married Martin Gospic. With Martin she had two children and five step-children. Surviving two World Wars, Peka raised her seven children through some difficult times sacrificing her needs for the needs of her children. In 1960, her son Branko, like so many during that time, left Croatia in search of a better life for his family. In December 1966, Peka left Croatia to be with her son and his family in Winnipeg. She witnessed the birth of her granddaughter Katherina in 1967 and helped raise her and Damir, as her son and daughter-in-law worked towards providing a better life. She dedicated her life to her family and found great joy in supporting their efforts throughout life. During her years, Baba Peka, as she was so affectionately known, inspired everyone who knew her with her wisdom, wit, love and affection. She spent many a summer working in her garden, which she treasured so dearly. During the winter months, she enjoyed knitting warm socks for her family and spending time with them because thats what she truly found joy in. Baba was the oldest serving member of the Sv. Nikola Tavelic Roman Catholic Croatian Church. Over the years she became a fixture during Sunday mass praying alongside her son and his family. She was often greeted by many after mass with hugs, kisses and well wishes, for that she was truly thankful and has taken those memories with her. Prayers will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Sunday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sv. Nikola Tavelic Roman Catholic Croatian Church, 2688 Main St. with Fr. Franjo Visaticki officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the Croatian Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pekas memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, St. Josephs Residence or to Caritas at Sv. Nikola Tavelich Church. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Josephs Residence for their generous care and support. Baba will be dearly missed however never forgotten, as she had left a little bit of legacy in everyone she touched. Mama, Baba, Pran Baba Puno ti hvala za sve sto si dala Nekate Bog Blagosovi Pocivala u miru CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2003