An Orthodox funeral service will be held overseas, where Maria will be laid to rest in the Ignjatic family plots.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Maria Ignjatic on July 12, 2026, in Sidney, British Columbia. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of family, after spending the last four and a half years in the care of her son, Darcy Jovic, together with Wendy Brown and Kiki, between Victoria and overseas.
Maria embraced life with extraordinary determination and curiosity. She especially loved Europe and, during her final years, enjoyed extensive travel with her son, revisiting many of the places and cultures that had shaped her remarkable life.
Born in 1946, Maria spent part of her youth living and working in Eben Zee, Austria, where she developed exceptional textile and sewing skills while employed at a large textile factory. In 1969, with hopes for greater opportunity and freedom, she immigrated to Canada with her husband and young son to begin a new chapter.
Few people knew that Maria was also a certified electrician. Working for ATCO Structures in the early 1970s, she entered a profession then almost entirely dominated by men, demonstrating courage, determination, and an unwavering belief that women should have every opportunity to succeed. She valued independence, equality, personal responsibility, and the rewards of hard work throughout her life.
Gifted with both creativity and technical ability, Maria later founded her own drapery business, drawing upon the craftsmanship she had mastered in Austria. She also worked as a key-punch operator during the early days of computerized business systems, reflecting her lifelong interest in innovation and continuous improvement.
Her diverse experience naturally led her into real estate, first with Canada Trust and later with RE/MAX, where she enjoyed a successful career spanning more than two decades. She eventually became a small home builder and accomplished renovation specialist whose attention to detail and high standards were evident in every project she undertook. Maria believed that a home should be a place of comfort, beauty, and pride, and she devoted much of her life to creating exactly that.
Maria never believed in doing things halfway. She was ambitious, disciplined, remarkably hardworking, and constantly sought to improve herself and everything around her. Honest and direct, she always spoke her mind with conviction. Whether one agreed with her or not, there was never any doubt about where she stood. Her integrity and authenticity earned the respect of those who truly knew her.
In later years, gardening became one of Maria’s greatest pleasures. She especially loved geraniums and red roses. Golf, photography, music, and travelling also brought her tremendous happiness. She lived for many years in West Vancouver before making Victoria, British Columbia, her home, while continuing to travel extensively throughout Canada, Europe, Mexico, and many other parts of the world.
Maria was fascinated by different cultures and collected beautiful and unique treasures from her travels. She seldom stayed in one place for long, always eager to experience something new, learn something different, or begin another adventure. Her life was anything but ordinary—it was filled with courage, perseverance, achievement, and unforgettable experiences.
Those fortunate enough to know Maria will remember her intelligence, resilience, determination, generosity, and unmistakable spirit. She built an extraordinary life through hard work, vision, and perseverance, leaving behind an inspiring legacy for those she loved.
Memory Eternal.
May her memory be a blessing,
and may she rest in eternal peace.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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