Gracanica Community Our History

2026

Brkovich, Mara

March 3, 1929 – October 2, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Mara Brkovich, at the Huron Lodge Long Term Care on October 2, 2026 in her 98th year.

Mara was born on March 3, 1929 in the village of Necvijece near Trebinje, Hercegovina to her parents Mihailo and Stana Ninkovic. Mara and her siblings – Kosa, Nikola and Boro – helped their parents on the family farm. Those happy memories of her youth remained engraved in her heart. Mara never forgot her humble roots and later extended generous assistance to those who remained behind.

Like many young men from Hercegovina, Mara’s father worked in the gold mines near Jackson, California in the 1890s. Until his return home before the Great War he was also a member of the first Serbian Orthodox Church in North America built by the miners in Jackson. When he died during World War II the family was forced into hiding. Life was hard and frightening after his death, but Stana and her children survived the wartime challenges with strength, resilience and unwavering faith. Soon Mara blossomed into a beautiful, statuesque and dignified young woman who was engaged in 1954 to Stevo Brkovich.

Stevo was one of the first wave of early Serbian immigrants who arrived in Windsor 100 years ago after World War I. Thirty years later he married his beautiful bride, Mara, and they enjoyed a happy life until his passing in 1987. Stevo worked tirelessly in the family business – “Steve’s Confectionary” – on Wyandotte Street in downtown Windsor while Mara managed the family household and raised their three sons – Bob (Blazo), Mike (Milan) and Donny (Dragan). Mara and Stevo nurtured a warm, loving home for their sons who were the primary focus of their lives. Over the years the Brkovich family welcomed a steady flow of Serbian and Canadian friends to their home who Mara enjoyed treating to her many culinary masterpieces.

Mara was a proud and grateful Canadian because it was here that she found freedom and a happy, fulfilling life. She and Stevo also honoured and preserved their Serbian Orthodox heritage. Stevo is acknowledged as one of the founders of the Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church. It was in this beautiful church where he and Mara were crowned in marriage, where they christened their sons, and where they remained active for many years. From the time of her arrival, Mara was also a member of the Circle of Serbian Sisters “Princess Helena”.

Soft-spoken, articulate, and measured with her words, Mara exemplified quiet wisdom and strength. Her patient, positive outlook set a fine example for her sons who cared for her throughout her long convalescence. To her final breath, Mara’s abiding faith in God sustained her until He welcomed her to her eternal home.

Mara’s sons were her greatest pride and joy. Sadly, her greatest sorrow was the sudden passing of her firstborn, Bob, in 2018. Life was never the same for her again. Mara was also predeceased by her dear husband, Stevo, her parents and her three siblings. She is survived by her sons, Mike and Donny, daughter-in-law Renee, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike and Donny Brkovich extend their sincere thanks to the medical staff and many caregivers at Amica and Huron Lodge Long Term Care who provided their mother with excellent and compassionate care. They thank the friends who visited or called. Above all, they are grateful to God for the wonderful woman who was their beloved mother and for the many years they shared with her. They will always cherish memories of her love and goodness. May she rest in peace in God’s heavenly Kingdom. She will be deeply missed by her devoted sons, her relatives and her faithful friend, Nada Ljepava.

A private funeral and burial have taken place honouring Mara’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church or the Serbian Heritage Museum. Arrangements entrusted to the Anderson Funeral Home and Cremation Centre – 895 Ouellette Ave. – 519-254-3223. Please join us in remembering Mara by visiting her memorial at andersonfuneralhomewindsor.com.

Visekruna, Bosiljka

January 14, 1932 – May 25, 2026

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Bosiljka Visekruna who passed away on Monday May 25, 2026 at Banwell Gardens at the age of 94. Beloved wife of Krste Visekruna. Dear mother of Jovo (Radmila), Slobodanka (late Rade), and Mira (Bosko). Loving grandma of Zeljka (Rados), Dragana (Goran), Zeljko, Bojana (Goran), Sasa, Milan, and Tatjana. Great-grandma of Branislav (Danijela), Ana, Marija, Milica (Milan), Kristina, Ilijana, Novak, Filip, and great-great-grandma of Lazar. Sister of Dragan (Andjelka), Bosko (late Jela), late Mile (late Manda), late Djuro (Djuka), and Manda (Drago). Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation will take place at Windsor chapel Banwell, 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E in Windosr on Thursday May 28 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm with prayers at 7:30pm by Fr.Milorad Delic. The funeral will be held at Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church, 1960 Meldrum Rd in Windsor, on Friday May 29 at 10am with an interment to follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens.

Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.windsorchapel.com

Cenic, Marta

June 4, 1968 – May 3, 2026

Passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side, on May 3, 2026, at the age of 57. She was the devoted wife of Radomir Cenic and a loving mother to Ivana, Jelena, and Petar. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Loving daughter to Marko and Soka Gledic.

She was a cherished sister-in-law to Vesna Radic (Boro) and Mile Cenic (Dijana), and a dear aunt to Borjana, Ognjen, Sandra, Bogdana, and Ugljesa. She was a loving cousin to Sasa, Nada, Sandra, Nerka, George, Mile, Petar, and Nikola, and a proud Godmother to Stefan, Nikolina, and Nedeljko Malic. She also leaves behind many dear friends and colleagues.

She had a deep love for creativity; gardening, cooking and baking, taking great joy preparing special treats for family and friends. Over the years, she enjoyed listening to music and dancing. She worked at AP Plasman for over 20 years before retiring, a testament to her dedication and strong work ethic. She will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the lasting memories she leaves behind in the hearts of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – Banwell Location, 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E., Windsor (519-253-7235) on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with prayers at 6:30 p.m. The visitation will continue Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church, 1960 Meldrum, Windsor, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Windsor Memorial Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.

Dragicevic, Sava

September 16, 1949 – April 16, 2026

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 76, on April 16, 2026. Beloved husband of 56 years to Anica. Cherished Father of Dragan (Mira) and Mirjana Dragicevic-Ferraro (Gaetano). Proud Deda of Lidija, Lazar, Danijela, Stefana and Anica. Dear Brother of Marica Cetnik (late Milan), late Lazo Dragicevic (Milica) and Djuro Dragicevic. Brother-in-law of Stana (late Djuro), late Jeka (late Djuro), Radojka, Nada (Ilija), Sava (late Bogdan), and Dmitra (Jovo). He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, kumovi, extended family and friends.

Sava retired from Chrysler after 35 years of dedicated service and was a proud member of CAW Local 444. A man of strong heritage and community ties, he was also a devoted supporter Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church and of the Chetnik Organization of Windsor.

Sava earned a reputation as a master of smoked meats and barbecue lamb and pig. He also took great pride in his homemade wine, which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Sava’s pride and joy was his vegetable garden, which he tended to meticulously, specifically his tomatoes.

The family would like to thank the 4th floor and Emergency Room Staff of Windsor Regional Hospital – Met Campus, for their dedicated care and compassion shown to Sava and his family.

Dimitrijevic, Ljubinka

July 11, 1938 – March 21, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ljubinka Dimitrijevic on March 21, 2026, at 87 years of age.

She will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband, Zvonimir, her devoted partner in life, to whom she was truly his queen. Their bond was one of deep love, respect, and unwavering companionship. Cherished mother of Nikola (Sophie), Dragana (Rasko), and Dr. Richard (Tammy Dunford) Ljubinka took immense pride in her family and the lives they built.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Stephanie (Peter), Steven, Alex, Nicole, Nikolas (Shawna), Christina (Myles), and Michael and a joyful great-grandmother to Maksim, Jana, Kaja, Vera, Rose and a new great-granddaughter coming in May. Her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds, and she found her greatest happiness in their laughter and presence.

Ljubinka is also survived by her dear brother Zoran (Nevena), her niece Mirjana, and her nephew Vladimir. She will be fondly remembered by her extended family, including her late brother-in-law Ivan, as well as her niece Natascha, nephew Alexander, and grand-niece Georgia.

She was a truly joyful woman, known for her generous spirit and deep love for her family. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aromas of her cooking and baking, which she shared lovingly with family and friends.

Ljubinka was also a devoted and faithful member of Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church, where she found great joy in community and fellowship.

Her legacy is one of love, family, and kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew her.

Vorkapich, Angela

August 21, 1939 – February 27, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother, Angela Vorkapich, who left us peacefully at the age of 86 on February 27, 2026. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Mike, with whom she shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Born on August 21, 1939, to Steve and Smilja Daich, Angela was the cherished mother of Steve (Mary), Patricia Makaric (Brian), Millicent Hill (Jim), Nada Orshinsky (Dave), and Mike (Michele). She was a devoted and adored Baba to Tyler; Brock (Arielle) and Brianna (Jeremy) Makaric; James, Steven, and Meghan Hill; Nicholas (Sara), Alexander (Jordanne), and Matthew Orshinsky; and Michael, Edward, and Angelina Vorkapich. Angela was predeceased by her brother Gojko (Ljubica) Daich and her brother-in-law Steve (Millie) Vorkapich. She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and all who were blessed to know her.

Angela found joy in sharing her talents in the kitchen with anyone who visited or needed comfort. Her apple strudel, pies, walnut torte, apple squares, soup, kolac, and especially her warm homemade krofne brought happiness to countless gatherings. Whether she was cooking or working her magic at her sewing machine, Angela had a gift for making every moment-happy or sad-a little better. Her greatest joy was raising her children and, even more so, loving her grandchildren. Whether baking cookies in the kitchen or reading storybooks curled up on the couch, she cherished every simple moment. To her, time spent with her grandchildren wasn’t just joyful-it was the sweetest gift of all. The family extends heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers for their compassion and support.