The family of Darlene Anne (Dina) Sisko née Filipovic, 73, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, is saddened to announce her passing on October 20, 2024. The youngest of four siblings, she was born and raised in Thunder Bay. She graduated from Port Arthur Collegiate Institute in 1970 where playing varsity volleyball was one of her many activities. She went on to a fulfilling career at the Bank of Montreal for 35 years, retiring in 2014. She built strong relationships with many of her co-workers, maintaining them long after her retirement.
Dina met Vinko (Vince) Sisko in February 1972 at a banquet at the Croatian Hall, they were married on October 21 of the same year and together raised three children. She was lucky to also have a large extended family locally and being the baby of her family, she was often the one to organize family gatherings and keep everyone in touch. She also had a large network of close friends, many of whom considered her an Aunt, “Teta Dina”.
Dina supported her children in their childhood activities, such as dance, baton, Croatian dancing and soccer. She spent countless hours volunteering her time to organize fundraising dinners and bingos, sewing costumes (“nošnjas”) and chaperoning other families on out-of-town performances and tournaments.
She was heavily involved in the Croatian community, volunteering at the Velebit Rec Center, the Croatian Hall on Pearl Street and the Croatian Catholic Church on Oliver Road. Dina was proud of her Croatian heritage, continued to speak fluently and helped cook traditional food with her friends. She remained close with her first cousins in Croatia, visiting countless times over the decades including her last visit in late 2023 with her granddaughter Isabel.
Shopping, particularly hunting for the best deal, was a favorite pastime and she always had so much fun on her annual BMO Duluth Bus shopping trip with the ladies. No expense was spared when finding special gifts for not only her granddaughters but also many of the other children in her life. She also enjoyed warm sunny days at camp, sitting by the lake and watching the kids play.
Dina was larger than life and was loved by those who knew her. She was generous to a fault and was always the first person to lend a hand and offer support to those around her. Whether she was an emcee, hosting a party or just having a quick chat, her humour and enthusiasm were infectious. She has touched countless people’s lives and will be sorely missed by many.
Dina is survived by her husband Vinko, children Jonathan, Stephan (Nicole) and Amanda (Sean), and her cherished granddaughters Isabel and Iva. She is also survived by her siblings Olga (the late Robert Cameron), Joe Filipovic (Pat) and Ab Filipovic (Martha). Dina is predeceased by her parents, John and Danislava Filipovic, both originally from Brela, Croatia.
Dina’s family would like to thank Dr. Holzapfel and the Cancer Centre for all of their care and a special thank you to the wonderful nurses of 1A at the TBRHSC.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel 21 North Court Street. A funeral service will take place on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church on Red River Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
