Ivanka Maver (Tomažič) died peacefully, surrounded by her family at Elim Village in Surrey, BC on June 8, 2021, at the age of 84. Ivanka is survived by her husband Peter, sons Egon, Brian (Wendy), daughter Diane, four grandchildren, Caidyn, Makaio, Lexa and Tatjana, her sister Stanka (Edvard) and many nieces, nephews, and their families. She is predeceased by her parents, Franc and Maria and brothers Franc (Tina) and Jože (Silva).
The second of four children, Ivanka was born in Huje, Slovenia (former Yugoslavia). Her childhood was marred by the ravages of the second world war, but her faith and the love of her family carried her through this difficult time. At the tender age of 18, she left her home and family in search of new opportunity. She found her way to a refugee camp in Udine, Italy.
It was at this camp that she met her husband Peter, and they were married in Udine September 27, 1956. In 1957 they immigrated to Canada and settled in Edmonton, Alberta. They welcomed their son Egon in 1958, before moving to Slave Lake, Alberta to start a mink ranch. They welcomed their daughter Diane in 1966 and that same year moved the family and the ranch to Langley, BC and eventually settled in south Aldergrove, BC. In 1971 they were blessed with their son Brian. Ivanka, along with Peter, raised their family and worked hard to make the ranch a success. Many in the Slovenian community will remember enjoying the Slovenian family picnics hosted at their ranch in Aldergrove.
Ivanka enjoyed knitting, reading, music, baking delicious Slovenian treats, vintage TV shows and movies, and growing and tending her flowers. What brought her the most joy was her family. She cherished every moment with her family and loved to have everyone together for visits and family dinners.
Ivanka was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her beautiful smile, kindness, generosity, compassion, humility, and quiet, clever wit were shared with all those she knew and loved.
Due to Covid restrictions, a small, private viewing and funeral mass will be held at St Joseph’s Parish in Langley, BC on June 17th at 12:15 pm. The service will be livestreamed and available at https://www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada at www.parkinson.ca
We would sincerely like to thank Elim Village, Harrison West for the excellent care of our beloved Nona.