August 18, 1928 – October 5, 2017
at the age of 89 years
Maria was born in Jabuka, Serbia on August 18, 1928. She was predeceased by her husband George and two sisters, Finni and Barbara in Germany. She is survived by her nephew Branko (Anka) of Burnaby, BC and relatives in Germany and Croatia, god daughter Angela Rudelic, Tamara and family from Edmonton.
Maria will be missed by her neighbours and friends from Salmon Arm where she was known by many for her generosity, sense of humour and strong will.
Before moving to Salmon Arm, George and Maria had a successful mink ranch in Widewater, Alberta. They retired to Salmon Arm in 1984 and greatly enjoyed their retirement. Maria took great pride in her garden and enjoyed sharing everything from her plums, apples and walnuts with all her neighbours. No one ever left Maria’s home empty handed.
Maria enjoyed great health until recently when she passed very peacefully on October 5, 2017 at Hillside Village, Salmon Arm. She was loved and supported by all her wonderful and caring neighbours who collectively allowed her to remain in her own home for as long as possible. Special thanks and acknowledgement to everyone, especially to neighbour Marlene Martens who Maria always referred to as her “special angel”!
May she rest in peace! She will not be forgotten.
Maria and George Sestan were lovely, generous people and kindly invited my mother-in-law, who spoke no English, into their home for coffee and conversation(Croatian)many times when she came to Canada for extended stays in the ’70s and ’80s. Maria kept her sense of humour and tough independent spirit to the end. Her friends and neighbours will miss her dearly.