Sanja Hugo (nee Walter) was born in Borova, Croatia in 1941 amidst the horrors of the Second World War. She graduated from the Brno University of Technology in Czechoslovakia with a degree in engineering and architecture.
She immigrated to Canada in 1969 with her son Robert and her daughter Daniela. She re-established her engineering career as a Professional Engineer in the design and construction of many large residential subdivisions in Edmonton. She then advanced through management positions within the City of Edmonton, including Superintendent of Water Systems with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system. In 1982, Sanja married her husband, Francis. Following her retirement in 1996, they moved the Cobble Hill area of Vancouver Island then in 2009, to Arbutus Ridge.
In 2002 she was diagnosed with CLL (leukemia) which she quietly battled with the aid of the BC Cancer Centre. After courageously fighting the battle for 23 years, the leukemia finally transformed into a more aggressive form of cancer, finally overtaking her on October 15th.
Sanja will live on in the loving memories of her husband, Francis Hugo, daughter Daniela Kuhner (Dave), son Robert Brynda (Alecia), grandsons Ben and Austin Kuhner, and granddaughter Madison Brynda and several cousins and grand-cousins.
Her life could best be described by the words of two of her favorite songs; “It’s A Beautiful World” by Louis Armstrong and “I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra. Sanja is now at peace and has been relieved of any further worldly suffering. She will always be remembered by those who are left behind.
A funeral service and reception was held for Sanja on Monday, October 20th, in Cobble Hill. She will be laid to rest in Lumni Cemetery in Three Hills, Alberta.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Hugo” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Edward Podivinsky
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John Pallas Sincere condolences from the Pallas family. We have many fond memories of Sanja (and the family) at Wizard Lake over the years. You are all in our thoughts and hearts.
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Andi & Liz Pallas and family Francis, Daniella,Robert and family, with shock, our deepest sympathies in the passing of Sanja.
Read the obituary in the Edmonton Journal of October 20. You must be heartbroken! The obituary was very nicely done. I loved the description of her 2 favourite songs…. This certainly brings back many memories of the fun we had as we were all “growing up”. With sincere love & care Andi & Liz, John & Heather, Tom & Nikki, Zac, Maksi, Tony, Steph ,Ty, Ella,Bri,Beckham
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Libuse and Paul Kuzel Francis, Daniela and Robert, our most sincere condolences on the loss of your wife and mother. Sanja was an amazing lady. She shared with me every Christmas that she baked cookies according to a receipe from my mother.
It was an honor knowing her.
She will be missed.
Dear Francis,
many years have passed since you and I crossed our ways at the Edmonton W&S. It was in the early seventies, the atmosphere was collegial and respectful, it was a joy to go to work.
Sanja joined the department a little later, eventually moving into my previous position at the Water Operations branch. I remember her as a focussed and hard working professional, carrying out her responsibilities flawlessly and leading her staff by example.
Parallel with that Sanja raised two children into adulthood and was loving grandma to her three grandchildren. She had many interests and never would sit idle. A good example being her little farm where she was growing all kinds of vegetables and raising a flock of turkeys.
Above all I remember Sanja as a your loving and supporting wife and life companion, may her sould rest in peace.
Yours truly,
Ina and Ed
P.S.
Francis, we didn’t know you live in Calgary and would like to meet and see you when you are ready, just let us know. We have been in Canmore since 1995 and have family in Calgary.
Last year I visited Aime B. in Kelowna.