We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our mother Štefica Zorić in Mississauga, Ontario on January 30, 2025, at the age of 82. Beloved wife of the late Jozo Zorić and loving mother to Marianne (late Andrew Laut), Joe (Diana Merchel), Terezia (Richard Maeda), and Vendelin. She was a very loving Baka to Aidan, Nicholas, Matthew, and Ryan and loved nothing better than to have them with her. Daughter of Antun and Dragica. She leaves behind family in Canada including siblings Dragica Matić (Blaž), Antonija Sajko (Nick), Vera Krajac (Ivica), Vilko Guštin, and Tony Guštin (Danica) together with their children and grandchildren. In Croatia, she leaves her sister Nada Sajko (Drago). Predeceased by her dear sisters Marica Brdar (Zvonko) and Anđela Guštin and brother Nikola Guštin (Nancy). She was sister-in-law to Matija Tolić and Milan Zorić and was predeceased by the late Dr. Tadija Zorić, Ljuba Marić, Vice Zorić, and Jure Zorić. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews and their families in Canada and Croatia.

Štefica was a proud Croatian and a proud Canadian. She came to Canada in the 60s with her husband and young daughter and they soon had a thriving family of four children. She worked hard at demanding jobs, inside and outside of the home, contributed to her family and like so many immigrants helped build Canada.

Her real love however was for her family and the domestic arts. She was a gifted cook and could feed an unexpected crowd on almost no notice and was happy to do so. She carefully noted her guests’ preferences and remembered for next time what they liked. She delighted in telling guests what dish to try and offered the best pieces. No family occasion was complete without one of her cakes. Feeding her family and others was her love language. She also had an incredible green thumb. Her vegetable garden was an annual success and she passed on the bounty to family and neighbours. She loved to help her children with their gardens and make them thrive.

The passage of time brought limitations. However, even in her last years Štefica’s natural inclinations as a helper and loving wife remained. She continued to support Jozo as she had through their whole life together. It was especially beautiful to see them have their meals together, as her nurturing of him never went away. They are reunited again. On both Štefica’s and Jozo’s behalf we thank those that cared for them so well at Extendicare Mississauga and we also thank the many family members and friends who visited and provided loving support to our parents over the years. We are grateful to you.

Donations to Parkinson Canada donate@parkinson.ca or Canadian Food for Children, www.canadianfoodforchildren.net, 1258 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5E 1E9 appreciated.