Grbavac, Catherine

CATHERINE (née MLACAK) GRBAVAC, beloved wife of the late Andrew Grbavac, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2018 at Legacy Lodge in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 94 years.

Catherine is survived by her six loving children, Robert (Jana) Grbavac, Susan (Charles) Klaver, Diane (Aurelio) Delbello, William (Shawn) Grbavac, Nancy Hamilton, Carol (Paul Sacco) Grbavac, fourteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Vi Peterson (née Grbavac) and her two brothers Mike Malack and William Mlacak.

Catherine was born on April 18, 1924 near Karlovac, Croatia. As a young girl she immigrated with her family to Windsor, Ontario where she was active in the Croatian community. She obtained her certification as a Secretary and worked for the Chrysler Motor Company.

In 1951 Catherine was swept off her feet by Andrew Grbavac at a Croatian dance in Windsor and they married one year later.

Catherine and Andrew moved to the family farm near Raymond, AB where they lived for 32 years and raised their six children.

Catherine dedicated her life to being a wife and mother. She mastered gardening, baking, cooking and canning as she cared for her family. She was an excellent seamstress and made all types of garments from flannel pajamas to tailored coats. Catherine was also the Secretary Treasurer for the Catholic School Board in Raymond, a member of the church choir and was an avid square dancer with Andrew. Once their children were grown, she worked as a sales associate in the Eatons department store in Lethbridge.

In 1983, Catherine and Andrew retired from the farm and moved to a new home in Lethbridge where Catherine enjoyed her walks along the coulees and the view of the mountains from their back yard.

Catherine treasured times spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was happiest when the family gathered together for celebrations.

Catherine's family sincerely thanks Dr. Dalphond, Dr. Yamashita, and Sister Josephine, as well as the health care professionals, and the administrative and support staff members at Legacy Lodge for their care of Catherine over the past few years.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME - 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 8:00 P.M. with Alice Takacs officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH - 2405 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Albert Sayson celebrating.

A Private Family Interment will take place at Temple Hill Cemetery in Raymond, AB where Catherine will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Andrew.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Catherine's memory to the Martha Retreat Centre Society - 1130 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 7J1. The Martha Retreat Centre is a catholic facility that provides a quiet environment for peace and prayer.