Aunt Karolina enjoyed a long and varied life.
She was born in the rural village of Ratje, Slovenia, on October 25, 1922. She was the youngest daughter among seven siblings of a family that had recently returned to Slovenia from working on the railway in the United States.
Karolina always worked hard, caring for sheep, looking after family members, and working as a cook at the local police station.
She survived World War II in Slovenia, enduring many hardships. Her village suffered greatly during the conflict, and Karolina was wearing a dress made from an army tent when her village was liberated.
After the war, she was able to join her elder sister in Cleveland, Ohio. She married Tony Kess, the brother of her sister’s husband, and set up housekeeping in Cleveland.
After the deaths of their husbands, Karolina and Sophie immigrated to Victoria to join her nephew, Joseph Kess, and his family. The two sisters were very active in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Women’s League, helping to raise money for the parish by selling their famous apple strudel.
When her sister passed away, Karolina became a participant in the Luther Court day program, and eventually became a resident there. At Luther Court, she was an active participant in the choir, and made many new friends among staff and residents.
Karolina is survived by her nephews, Dr. Joseph F. Kess of Victoria, and Mario Mulig of Ohio, as well as their wives, children and grandchildren.
The family sends their most sincere thanks to all of the Luther Court staff and volunteers who made Karolina’s last years among the happiest of her life.
Private service.
Donations to the Luther Court Society, 1525 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5M1, in lieu of flowers.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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