Mary Rukavina
elevated xPTQn September 23, 1941 ~ October 5, 2026
elevated xPTQn Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Rukavina on October 5th, 2026 at the age of 85. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Mary was predeceased by her dear “sestra” Kuma Cathy Senzel and lifelong friend Vivian Prus, both having a special place in her heart.
elevated xPTQn Mary is survived by her loving husband Fred Lambroff, and an extended family of lifelong friends, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, both here and out in Western Canada, in the U.S.A., and in Croatia. A special mention of Melanie Rukavina as the “greatest niece of all nieces.” Mary also wanted to mention the special bond she has formed over the years with her cousin Marija, who has been more like a sister, and her daughter Barbara.
elevated xPTQn At the end of life people are remembered for how they treated others – may the love and kindness Mary showed to all be carried forward in those who knew and loved her.
elevated xPTQn A special thank you to all the caring people at Dorothy Ley Hospice and St. Joseph’s Health Centre.
elevated xPTQn Funeral Mass
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church
3055 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1C6
elevated xPTQn Memorial Tributes
In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice or Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.
elevated xPTQn
Kum Fred and family
My heart aches with the sudden illness and death of our Kuma Kuma Mary. That she and I could live on this earth at the same time, how incredible God’s plan. Zbogom KKM…. I hold up my lamp to light you on your way as a Choir of Angels escorts you on the way to Heaven. Rest in peace….počivaj sad u miru. Thank you for your friendship, thank you for the memories. KKD
Kumovi Stephenson (prije Milakovic)
Dear Fred, Jim and I looked forward so much to spending Christmas Eve with you both at Dave and Donna’s- and Jim especially looked forward to the special container of shortbread cookies that Mary always put aside for him! Mary was so gracious, and always had a smile to lift our spirits. She would want to know we and so many others are here to support you, and we are. Much love from us both. Deanna and Jim
A beautiful note of condolence for a beautiful human being we were all so blessed to know. Yes, those cookies of hers were the best.
As you mentioned, Fred will need all of our support as he tries to get through another day…life will never be quite the same.
Fred my condolences to you for your loss. Mary and I go back a long, long time. What a wonderful lady. We shared so, so many wonderful and memorable fun times over the years. I will miss Mary and our conversations. God bless her. R.I.P.
Fred, God bless you. Our prayers are with you.
Anne Matich and family
Fred, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to believe that Mary is gone. For much of our youth, she was ” Rukie” and we would see each other in the Croatian halls and churches of Toronto and Hamilton . Always, Mary would bring a twinkling eye, a sense of fun and a warm supportive manner to our encounters.
The photo that you chose, Fred, so perfectly shows the Mary that we all knew. God bless you and her memory.
Mendy Pavelich
It has been my pleasure to have met Mary when she entered The Dorothy Ley Hospice. Such a warm loving woman cared for lovingly by Fred. Finding out we both worked at the same law firm (although years apart) brought us closer together. Rest well Mary. You will always be remembered.
Dear Fred,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of our dear Mary. She was such a special friend, and my heart is broken knowing she is no longer with us. I will always cherish the memories we shared and feel so grateful to have had her in my life. I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you, and I hope you find comfort in knowing how much Mary was loved and how many lives she touched. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Sending you my deepest condolences.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Mary
Tom knew Mary for almost his whole life and sandy for over 5 decades. She was always up beat ,considerate and involved in all her friends and families special events which seems forever. She was one of the youngest looking 85 year olds with her natural full head of black hair til the day she passed .It felt like she would be with us forever.
May her memory be a blessing.
Our heartfelt condolences to Fred and the Rukavina family
Love Tom and Sandy
Mary was a lifelong friend over 65 years. She was my bridesmaid and we also double dated in our youth before she met her soulmate Fred. As a lifelong friend, it’s difficult to say goodbye. I will always remember you and miss our lunches. One more lunch on the 21st. Forever in my heart. Deepest sympathy to Fred and family. RIP Mary.