Obituary of Catherine Penava

Katie Penava (nee Catherine Frances Yamich) became our newest guardian angel after her sudden passing on November 29, 2023. She married her sweetheart, Jerry (Jerko) Penava on August 24, 1963 and they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary this year, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born November 11, 1941 to Mary (nee Oreskovich, passed 2018) and Tony Yamich (passed 1989) in Val d’Or Quebec; survived by her sister Nada (Frank) Pavicic. Beloved sister-in-law of Branko (passed; Iva), Ferdo (passed; Stefica) and Zdravka (Branko) in Croatia. Mama was cherished by her 5 children-David (passed at 5 days of age), Deborah Penava, Laura Bouffard (Rob), Sandra Garant (Mark) and Nick Penava (Liz). Her life was her family, following her dream of being a wife and mother over her teaching career. Baba will be missed by her 6 wonderful grandchildren: Julia and Anthony Garant, Sara Gault, Kate and Grace Bouffard and Leah Penava. She was a proud Teta and beloved by her extended family (Yamich, Erent, Oreskovich, Pavicic, Eppich, Shalton, Chorich); she enjoyed visiting with them and other friends when she travelled to Germany, Austria and Croatia.

She was one of the best people we knew, the glue that held our family together, always supporting and cheering from the background. She supported Jerry in all of his projects and dreams, which couldn’t have happened without her (Croatian school, Croatia Sport Club and Knights of Columbus to name a few). She also enjoyed exploring Canada and the United States with Jerry after they were married, and then later with her family and grandchildren; she loved Mexico, Florida or Punta Cana and was always up for a walk, but especially on the beach. She was kind and open, with a beautiful smile and she relished helping her family with whatever we needed, preparing our blessed holiday meals, dropping by with donuts, or taking time to talk. Besides caring for her family, she loved going to her children's and grandchildren's graduations, seeing Neil Diamond in concert, watching Croatia soccer games and teaching us to make sarma and other Hrvastski treats. There are so many wonderful memories we have of her, and her spirit, which we will cherish for all the days of our lives. Enjoy your everlasting life Mama; although your passing has broken our hearts, you deserve all our heavenly Father has granted you.

Visitation is at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home - Central, 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E on Sunday December 3rd, from 2-5pm and 6-8pm. Funeral mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1701 Turner Rd. at 11:00 am on Monday, December 4th. If you would like to make a donation in Katie's name, please consider the St. Francis of Assisi Building Fund, the MS Community Windsor and Essex County chapter or your charity of choice.

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