Obituary of Marija "Mary" Jirasek (nee Klarić)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Marija (Mary) Jirasek, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, who left this world on July 8, 2025, in her Windsor home, at the age of 96. Marija was born on September 13, 1928, to her proud parents Štefanija (1991) and Ivan Klarić (1989), in Crikvenica, Croatia. “Baba Mary”, as she was affectionately known as, was the cherished matriarch of her family, a role she embraced wholeheartedly for over five decades during her marriage to her husband, Antun Jirasek (2002). Celebrating 53 wonderful years of love and companionship, together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, exquisite cooking and music. Marija's love extended beyond her immediate family, enveloping her daughters, Jasna Janet Juričić (Mirko) and Vesna Županić (Steve) in a bond that was unbreakable. As a proud grandmother, she selflessly doted on her grandchildren: Michael Juričić (Ruxandra), Janet Juričić -Maceroni, Ivica Županić (2010), Robert Županić, and Wanda Juričić. She further dedicated her life to her greatest treasures, her great-grandchildren: Joseph, Mark and Sabrina Maceroni, Kristy and Adam Županić, and Adelina Juričić. They were the light of her life, and she took great joy in watching them grow and flourish. Marija is now reunited with her only sister and best friend, Ankica Grubišić (2015), and will be missed by the strong bonds she had with her nephews, John Claridge (Debbie), Victor Grubišić (2012) and William Grubišić (2017), along with the many other family members from Canada and Croatia.

Known for her feistiness, strong inner grit and unmistakable laugh, Marija brought that same determination with her to Canada, when she immigrated from Virovitica, Croatia in 1964. With her young family in hand, she established a beautiful, hard-working and devoutly religious life in Canada. She retired from Hotel Dieu Hospital, Central Supply department, after 15+ years, and remained an avid gardener, hockey fan, professional knitter, master baker and an animal lover all throughout her retirement. However, Marija's greatest pride was the time she spent with her family, never missing the chance to gather and cook a big Sunday dinner, from her small basement kitchen. Marija was a wonderful woman who left a legacy of love to all who knew her, with so many memories held dear to our hearts. Despite her ascension into Heaven, she leaves the Earth with a profound void in all the lives of those who loved her and knew her; her spirit lives on in the memories shared and the love she gave so freely. Pocivala u miru Bozjem, Draga nasa Baba Mary.

Following Marija’s wishes, a private funeral mass will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Church followed by entombment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to either Hospice of Windsor or Croatian Building Fund. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com