It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Zdenka Simcic on Thursday October 24, 2024, with her family by her side, at Southbridge Roseview.
Zdenka was born on March 25, 1933, in Krivi Put, Croatia to Anka and Anton Prpic. As a young girl, she lovingly cared for her two younger sisters, Marija and Lucija, and took them under her wing when they moved to Rijeka. There, she began working in restaurants and was highly regarded for her exceptional culinary skills. In 1964, Zdenka immigrated to Canada, where she began working at the Princess Hotel as a prep cook, proudly sharing her skill at perfectly filleting a fish. She later worked at Shaw’s Bakery and then entered the cleaning industry. Her dedication and hard work were evident during her 15 years with King’s Northern Cleaning, where she cleaned banks, the Abitibi Paper Mill, and the Children’s Aid Society. Later, Zdenka became a highly sought-after housekeeper, renowned for her impeccable work.
In April 1967, Zdenka married Stefan Simcic, and together they raised two children, Diana and Norman. She was immensely proud of them and celebrated their accomplishments at every opportunity. Her children were her world, and her love for her family grew further with the arrival of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were so important to her, and she loved to attend their hockey games, piano recitals, school concerts and award ceremonies. Zdenka also continued to share a strong connection with her sisters, Marija and Lucija, with whom she exchanged letters every six weeks for 40 years as they lived oceans apart in Croatia and Australia. While they never reunited on earth, they are now together in heaven.
Zdenka’s Catholic faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Loretto Church, rarely missing a Sunday mass, and was a proud member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 40 years. She found comfort in saying the Rosary and reading her prayer book.
Zdenka’s hands were never idle. She was known for her exquisite garden, where she took pride in growing an abundance of vegetables, which she was generous in sharing. Zdenka also loved her flower garden, often receiving compliments on its beauty. Her home was filled with the comforting scents of cabbage rolls, perogies, and other family favourites. Her delicious cooking was the centerpiece of gatherings, where guests would always leave with full stomachs and happy hearts. In addition, she enjoyed knitting hats, scarves, mittens, and socks for her loved ones, and watching her favorite game shows, including The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy.
Zdenka was deeply loved by all who met her. Known for her sense of humor and kind spirit, she brought joy to every interaction, often leaving people laughing until they had tears in their eyes. Zdenka was very loving and compassionate, as she took good care of her neighbors and built strong connections in the community, often taking walks around Current River and stopping to socialize with familiar faces.
Zdenka is predeceased by her husband, Stefan; her sisters, Marija and Lucija; her parents, Anka and Anton Prpic; and her cousins, Branko Prpic and Eugene Prpic.
She is survived by her children, Diana (David) Perrier and Norman (Christine) Simcic; her grandchildren, Michael, Stefanie, Christopher, Meghan (Zach), and Kristen; her cousins, Joe (Barbara), Eva Prpic, and Brenda Prpic; relatives in Zadar, Croatia, including brother-in-law, Petar Zubovic; niece, Christina Benard; and nephews, Zeljko Zubovic and Damir Rajkovic, and their families.
Zdenka was a strong, determined, and hardworking woman who taught us the power of resilience and dedication to family. We are forever grateful for her love and the values she instilled in us.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Loretto Church, 290 Grenville Avenue, with Rev. Francis Pudicherry officiating. Interment in St. Andrew’s R.C. Cemetery.
Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Southbridge Roseview for their care, love, and support. Your compassionate care and kindness brought great joy to our mother and grandmother, making her years there truly memorable.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Loretto’s Church (New Elevator Fund).
