On June 10, just as the sun was setting, Norma Josephine Obljubek (nee Zamic) took her final breath. She was surrounded by her adoring family who now honour her life. Norma was 87 years old and residing at Hogarth Riverview Manor at the time of her death.
Born in Port Arthur, ON to Danica (Yukick) and Konstantin Zamic (aka Anne and Stan), Norma was a kind, warm-hearted spirit from the start. Norma’s earliest memories were of a trip to Brela, Croatia with her mother and older sister that turned into a seven-year ordeal with the outbreak of WWII. Trapped overseas and exposed to starvation and enemy occupation, Norma later retold stories of hardship through a romanticized lens. This knack for finding the good in everything endured throughout her life.
After the war, they returned to Canada, reuniting with their father Stan and soon welcomed the birth of her younger brother, Rene. At school, Norma and her sister Mary Jane had to catch up to their peers with relearning to speak English. She graduated from Hillcrest High School, followed by working at a bank. In 1962, the beautiful young woman with big brown eyes caught the attention of Mirko, and the two married on November 17, 1962. Soon they had three children - Sonja, Mark and Dana. Norma poured herself into motherhood, making sure her children were exposed to a variety of art, culture, music, sports and community activities all in the spirit of curiosity and adventure. Norma and Mirko raised their children in the Catholic faith and truly led by example and conviction. Norma devoted her life to her family and her church, who greatly benefitted from her generous spirit.
Norma was a lifetime member of St. Andrew’s RC Church and a long time CWL member, recently receiving a 50-year service recognition. She donated to many organizations and causes. She led a deeply spiritual life, prayed daily, attended Sunday and weekday masses and most of all, put her principles into action. Everyone who met her felt accepted and cared for. She loved singing and listening to a wide variety music including everything from opera to country. When she could no longer walk, she would simply move her arms to dance to the music. She enjoyed travelling to Croatia, Slovenia, and parts of Europe and loved to participated in religious pilgrimages. But she equally enjoyed her mini adventures close to home, from the Farmer’s Market to Calico Coffeehouse, church bazaars and the performing arts. She loved restaurants, conversation, classic old movies, crosswords and was a passionate flower gardener. Norma had the rare ability to enjoy being in the moment, as well as seeing the humour and beauty in small details. Once her granddaughters, Nadia, Ruby and Veronica came along, they became her world, bringing her immense joy. Big or small, she was there for every event in their lives including all their local dances competitions and recitals. The special bond she had with them is her legacy. Norma will be remembered for her infectious laugh and sparkling way of being in the world. She was the sun our family revolved around and will shine on forever in our hearts.
Survived by her daughters, Sonja of Toronto, Dana of Thunder Bay, brother Rene Zamic (Toronto), granddaughters Nadia (Brad), Ruby and Veronica Giancola, and son in law Domenic Giancola all of Thunder Bay, sister in law Mary Obljubek (Richmond Hill), nieces Miriam (Robert), and Tania (Michael) and their sons Joshua and Matthew all of Richmond Hill, nephews Stephen (Thunder Bay) and Andrew Zamic (Toronto), In Slovenia she is survived by sisters in law Darinka Sirk and Irena Vargazon, nieces and nephews Tatjana (Franco), Miran (Petra) and Irena (Robert) and their children, great niece Ana; as well as extended family in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie and Croatia. Preceded by her husband, Mirko, son Mark, parents Anne and Stan, sister Mary Jane Zamic, brothers in law Frank and Stojko Obljubek, sister-in-law Maria Obljubek, nephew Fredi Vargazon and brother-in-law Fritz Vargazon.
To honour Norma’s life, a Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 10am at St. Andrew’s RC Church celebrated by Rev. Berchmans Francis. Visitation will be held in the church one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. For those unable to attend in person, they may do so virtually at Sargent and Son’s Facebook page. Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. In honour of the late Mrs. Norma Obljubek, donations to St. Andrew’s R.C. Church would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
