Obituary of Kosa Lakić

LAKIĆ, Kosa (nee Pavić) December 3, 1952 - January 26, 2025. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Kosa at the age of 72. Loving wife to Stevan Lakić, precious mama to Tanja Lakić (Fred) and Tatijana Matwijiw (Mike), and proudest baba to her one and only grandchild, Ivana. Dear daughter of the late Marko and late Božica Pavić. Cherished sister to Stoja, Anica, late sister Stana, and late brothers Luka and Jovan. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family, Kumovi, and friends across North America, Europe, and Australia. Anyone who knew our mama/wife/baba, knew that she was a beautiful person on the inside and out, and that she had suffered with mental illness for decades. Although it was a constant and debilitating struggle in her life, it did not define her. In 1971, Kosa left her family home in the village of Smoković to live with her sister Stoja and family in Windsor. Soon after, she sent a letter back home with a message to pass along to her Darling, Stevo, which included a proposal for him to come to Canada and marry her. They raised and provided for their family in Windsor. She worked very hard at Fabco until she could no longer work due to the severity of her illness. Her inner strength was immeasurable. Even when she was terribly ill, Kosa was always loving and nurturing to her family. She was the most genuine, kind, and selfless woman who found joy in the simple God-given wonders of life: animals, insects, flowers, and anything bright and colourful in nature. She enjoyed singing traditional Serbian songs, gardening, cooking and cleaning for her family, knitting, painting her nails, petting and brushing family pets, playing bocce ball in the backyard, playing Italian cards in the winter, and she loved to joke with family and friends. Although anyone who played ping-pong with her knew that her competitive streak was no laughing matter, as she almost always won. She helped her children to learn how to read despite her own language barrier and taught her grandchild to play cards. Baba and Ivana had the most special bond which included special nicknames for one another, like Kruškica, Serica, Babica Žabica, and so many more. During her long hospitalization and brief time at a nursing home in the last four and a half years, Baba always felt better whenever she had a visit with her Ivana, even in her most difficult moments. Baba French-braided Ivana’s hair as much as she could and always wanted to give her something special, like a box of gloves from the nursing station so that Ivana could play doctor and check on her. She knew that her Baba was also struggling with a heart condition and in Baba’s last moments, Ivana noted, “Her heart is deciding that she needs to go but I don’t want her to go.” Baba followed her heart, is finally at peace, and will forever be loved. On behalf of our family, we would like to acknowledge the staff at The Village of Aspen Lake, who in the last six months took great care of Kosa and made every effort to make her feel at home where she proudly stated, “They always call me ‘Queen’ here!” We would also like to recognize healthcare workers at Windsor Cardiac Centre who were sensitive to her mental illness during appointments. Thank you to all staff in ICU at Windsor Regional Hospital - Ouellette Campus, who took great care of her and ensured that she was comfortable until she passed. A heartfelt thank you to staff on the mental health unit at Windsor Regional Hospital - Ouellette Campus, and to TNI staff at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare for nearly five decades of treatment and care. No words can express enough gratitude to the late Dr. Brian Burke, who for about thirty years went above and beyond to provide the best possible care with the utmost patience and understanding of our family challenges, with special thanks to Lisa, who showed so much compassion every time we called. And lastly, we would like to thank family and friends and anyone who has helped in any way, for their support and love. Visitation for Kosa will be held at WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. (519) 253-7235, on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Prayers at 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will be received, on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church (1960 Meldrum Rd. at Tecumseh Rd. E.) for visitation from 10:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Very Rev. Fr. Milorad Delic officiating. Interment to follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations in honour of Kosa may be made to Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation - Mental Health Programs, or Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Church. Condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com.