Barbara Coholic
elevated 88ogz November 3, 1938 ~ June 12, 2025
elevated 88ogz Visitation
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Assumption Catholic Funeral Home
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4
elevated 88ogz Funeral Service
Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Assumption Catholic Funeral Home
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4
elevated 88ogz For those unable to attend the funeral service for Barbara, you may join us using the Livestream Link
Burial
Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4
elevated 88ogz
Born in a small wooden house on a hill in Bosiljevo, Croatia, in 1938, she experienced a childhood rich with vibrant stories of family life during the Second World War. While those years held their challenges, her fondest memories were of the post-war era. These were days of hard toil in the fields, but evenings brought joy as she, her family, and friends sang and danced to the sweet sounds of the accordion, often played by her father or brothers Josip and Janko.
Driven by a desire for more than the life she knew and not wanting to burden her parents, she undertook a perilous escape to Austria. Alone, after her companions were captured or lost their nerve, she bravely continued her journey. After a period in escapee camps, she set sail for Canada, joining her brother Josip and sister-in-law Ljuba in Schumacher, Ontario. Her path then led her south to Toronto, where she lived with her sister Ljuba and family. It was there, through a good friend, that she met Leonard, who would become the love of her life.
Their family grew with the birth of their sons, Leo in 1965 and Richard in 1970. She devoted herself to Richard as his primary caregiver and cherished companion until his tragic passing in 1985.
In 1989, during one of her frequent visits to Croatia, her swift actions and the timely presence of two doctors on board saved her husband from certain death during their flight.
Her family expanded beautifully with the arrival of her daughter-in-law, Eva, and soon after, four cherished grandchildren: Abbey, Adam, Joshua, and Jakob. “Baba” was a constant source of joy and comfort, and they share countless stories of time spent with her, especially in the kitchen. Grilled cheese, masnice, and knedli were often waiting for them after school, ensuring their childhood was filled with the unwavering love of their grandparents.
As the years passed, dementia gradually encroached, its presence becoming undeniable. For eight years, she fought with remarkable defiance against its grip until she finally succumbed to its complications on Thursday, June 12th.
She leaves behind her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, caregivers, and surviving siblings, who will deeply miss her. May she now find eternal rest, enjoying the songs of her youth in the company of those who went before her, knowing that she will forever live in the memories of those she loved and whose lives she touched.
Iskrena sučut. Sincere condolences to your family. Barbara is fondly remembered.
Thank you Kata
Leo, Eva & Family
May your mama, punica & baka rest in eternal peace. P.U.M.B.
Sylvia
Suosjećamo s vama u boli i žalosti. Neka vas Gospodin utješi, a pokojnici podari život vječni.
Leo, Eva, Abby, Adam, Josh, Jakob, my heartful condolences to you all. Barbara’s beautiful spirit will be missed. Much love. Tracey
Our dearest Coholic Family,
Our sincerest condolences to you all! She was so blessed to have you all by her side right until the end. We will always remember her kindness and beautiful smile. May she rest in God’s eternal peace and may happy memories one day replace the sadness you feel today.
With love, Marko, Sandra, Ivana, Luka Gotovac
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family, the obit spoke about her beautiful life, a beautiful soul who was always smiling. …may she rest in peace
Leo, Eva, Adam, Abby, Josh and Jacob
My family’s heartfelt condolences go out to you all. I hope you find comfort and peace in knowing she is not alone but reunited with Richard and her loving husband Leonard. May she finally find peace in there loving arms.
With love Lili, Mirjana & Anica Ćavar
I have fond memories of Barbara when we used to work together at Rubbermaid. My condolences to her family
My condolences to the family. I worked with Barb at Rubbermaid she was a very sweet and kind person. Rest in Paradise.