Obituary of Ivka Franic

It is with shattered hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of our stoic matriarch, our guiding light, on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Sault Area Hospital surrounded by her adoring children.

Eva will forever be missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted son and daughter, Michael and Catherine, the lights of her life.  Proud Baba to her beloved grandchildren, William and Evelyn, best known as “Peanut” and “Princess,” respectively. She also leaves behind her children’s father, Mladen.

Born in 1939 in Krivi Put, Lika-Senj, Croatia, Eva made the solo journey to Canada in her late teens and built a family and a life in Sault Ste. Marie, a testament to her bravery, resilience, and independence.  Greeting her with open arms, she is now reunited with her parents and her cherished sister, Mica, in heaven.

Tiny but mighty, Eva was a force to be reckoned with.  Once she made up her mind about something, there was no talking her out of it.  The epitome of a selfless and doting mother and grandmother, her love language was food, and she would often be found in the kitchen, cooking nourishing meals for her family, always adding a pinch of love to each course she prepared.  The most giving and generous soul, Eva would dish out second helpings before you’d even eaten half of what was on your plate, and you’d be sent away with containers of food that would feed you for a week.

Mom’s maternal instinct was far-reaching and extended beyond the confines of our little family unit to include the families of her loved ones and those who were important to her children.  Many have been lovingly force-fed by her over the years!  If you loved her people, she loved you back twice as hard.

A hilariously witty woman, Eva’s comedic timing was second-to-none and she has left us with the gift of endless anecdotes and memories that will warm our hearts and bring smiles to our faces as we reminisce about her unique Eva-isms and remember the sound of her laughter for the rest of our days.

To all of her dear friends, Kumas, and Kums: Eva cherished each and every one of you and considered you family.  Your regular visits and phone calls to her over the years made her day and she always carried you close to her heart.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Father Trevor Scarfone officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to ARCH would be appreciated by the family.  The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Drs. Evans, Landry, and DiFabio and nurses Sarah, Kristen, and Erica for their care and compassion and for going above and beyond to ensure that Eva and her family were well taken care of.