Venka (Anna) Marnica (née Stipćević) passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario on Monday December 2, 2024 at the age of 93. Born in Zadar, Croatia, Venka was the beloved wife of the late Milé Marnica. She was a devoted mother to her five children, Maria, Mirella (late Paul Gastman), Dana, George and Susan (Blair Wall). She was the adored Baba to Michael, Jonathan, Natalie, Kelli and Samantha. PraBaba to Nicholas, William and Isabel. Predeceased by her brothers Mario, Romano, Aldo and sister Vjera (Perovic). She is survived by her sister Violanda (Ciurcovich), Slavka (Vranic) and sister in-law Milka Stipcevich.

In 1959, Venka and Milé, along with their three small children, made the courageous decision to immigrate to Canada in search of a better life. Their journey marked the beginning of a legacy defined by resilience, love and hope. Through hard work, kindness and support of family members, they were able to settle in Etobicoke in 1967, a place they lovingly called home. Venka enjoyed gardening, cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She could often be heard asking them ‘You want something to eat?’. Always ready to feed those she loved.

Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, on Sunday December 8th from 3:30-7 p.m., followed by Rosary at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be Monday December 9th at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady Queen of Croatia Church, 7 Croatia St., Toronto, Ontario.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers at St. Joseph’s Hospital, with special thanks to the compassionate team in Palliative Care for their exceptional care and kindness. We would also like to thank her Home Care Team, Dr. Amir, Dr. Zive, Irena NP and Loraine from OHaH TC, Kim NP and the great support team at Kassel’s Pharmacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Venka’s memory may be made to Breast Cancer Research through The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation website https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/giveinmemory/donations/start.