It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the unexpected unfortunate passing of Katica Durkovich on Sunday, May 28th, just after her 93rd Birthday at Vancouver General Hospital ~ T7D. After 16 1/2 years at Banfield Pavilion, falling from her bed and breaking her hip & femur was bad enough ~ she survived the surgery, however 3 weeks later, yet another fall from her bed, right on her knees, while the care aide was cleaning her, was the final straw. Thanks to Dr. Kelly Lefaivre, she survived this extensive double surgery, however on the second day she went into CHF ~ Congestive Heart Failure and Respiratory Failure ... days later Kidney Failure. Following the second fall, the pain was excruciating but she courageously fought to stay with us suffering so much, gasping for each breath, for 16 days until we told her one last time how much we loved her and that it is OK to "Let Go and Let God".
Katica was born in Obod, Cavtat near Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 24th, 1930. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years Mike "Miho" Durkovich who passed away on 10.09.10, and her brother Niko. Katica is survived by her 3 daughters Catherine "Katija", Mary & Michele, 5 grandchildren ~ Amelia (Ian), Larissa (George), Andrew, Kiara & Julianna, and son-in-law Fred. She also leaves behind her nephew Michael, nieces Mirjana & Katija in Croatia & Belgium, also many Durkovich nieces, nephews and extended family members in BC, Alberta, USA, Peru and Croatia.
Katica immigrated to Canada with her daughter on July 18th, 1960. Her passions were her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a hard working homemaker ... meals and cookies were always a top priority ... she would always ask "have you eaten?" Katica loved her gardening, sewing, music ~ Croatian & English, Figure Skating & Ice Dancing, the Winter Olympics, The Young and the Restless, General Hospital and the Canucks. Living near the PNE, she was self employed parking cars. Katica was a smart woman, she negotiated a 50/50 deal with the neighbours parking cars for the whole block. She would follow the hockey games, if the Canucks won, her parking business would be much more profitable. Through the years she kept up with the times, especially music. A few weeks ago she was asking how Cher was doing and if she was still performing? Outgoing and forever young in spirit, Katica was kind, generous, gracious, accepting everyone and so polite to her very last day!
The family would like to thank all the VGH Doctors and especially Dr. Kelly Lefaivre, RN's ~ Julie, Bobi, Blair, Daniel, Sophie, Flo, Gurleen and many others for the excellent compassionate care aiding Katica in her end of life.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8th from 6 - 8 pm at Kearney Funeral Chapel, 4715 Hastings Street (parking @ back), Burnaby, B.C. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 9th at 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 525 South Slocan Street, Vancouver, B.C. with Fr. Rosemond Sylvestre, CS. Burial to follow at Ocean View Burial Park ~ Calvary #12.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission Vancouver, Covenant House Vancouver, or the lower mainland Food Bank.