We Remember

OSTROMAN, Dominica Maria

God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw Mimi’s tired face. He put his arms around her and lifted her to rest.  God’s garden must be beautiful for He always takes the best.  He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed Mimi’s weary eyelids and whispered, “Peace be thine.”  It broke our hearts to lose you, Mamma, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Dominica Maria Ostroman was born to Giovanni and Anna Bussanich on Thursday, February 15th, 1929 in Lussingrande, now Veli Losinj, Croatia. The youngest of six children, Dominica, better known as Mimi, Mamma and Nonna to most, peacefully returned to her heavenly home with her daughter by her side in the wee hours on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 shortly after celebrating her 88th birthday and soon after giving her family one more Mother’s Day to celebrate and fondly remember.

Nonna was predeceased by her loving husband of 48 years, Zvonimir (better known as Miro) Ostroman.  She was also predeceased by her brothers Giovanni and Antonio and daughter-in-law Marica. Nonna is survived by her son Giorgio, daughter Marina and her husband Blazan Kajic.  She is also survived by four grandchildren, Zurino, Adrianna, Kristina, Steven and his wife Ivana.  Nonna is also survived by her two step grandchildren, Devon and Ivan.  Nonna passed happily knowing that she would soon become a great grandmother, due date July 23rd.  Nonna is survived by her sisters Rosaria Sicolo and Meri Penso in Italy and brother Carlo (Albina) in Vancouver, BC.  In addition, Nonna is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family members and friends throughout the world.

Our Dearest Mamma was truly blessed with a large and loving family.  She married the love of her life in November 1952.  Living in Croatia, she was a consummate mother, homemaker and hard worker who loved to garden in family-owned land and wake up early to pick fresh produce and walk to the market to sell goods.  As family meant the world to Mimi and Miro, they soon had two children. First, a son, Giorgio and then a daughter, Marina, both of whom were born on the small island of Veli Losinj, Croatia.   At the encouragement of Mimi’s parents, they decided to leave their homeland to pave the way for a better future for their children in a new land.  They went first to Italy as refugees for 9 months in 1963.  They were accepted into Canada and arrived in Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 10th 1963.  Shortly after, they moved to Prince Rupert.  This city resembled their former island home of Losinj as it was also a coastal, island-like city.  Prince Rupert became their family’s second home.  It was to be their home away from home.  Mimi worked hard at learning to speak English, attended classes and worked as a chambermaid which also helped her learn to speak English.  In 1972 the family became proud Canadian citizens.  Mimi was well known, liked and admired by many in Prince Rupert. Her love for children was unbelievable and she worked in a day care as a cook.  The children loved her and enjoyed her cooking immensely.  Family and friends also enjoyed her cooking and baking—the family home was always full of company. Special occasions were always marked with traditional treats and surprises. Mimi excelled at and enjoyed gardening with her husband, produced unbelievable fresh vegetables.  Many pictures of husband and wife along with their veggies were posted in the local papers. Mimi also enjoyed knitting and sewing and made many beautiful outfits for her daughter when she had to perform and play piano.   Mimi had a very special talent—she had an amazing voice.  Together with the love of her life, they sang beautifully and had many family gatherings where they were able to perform and entertain everyone.  Mimi loved to travel with her husband, going as far as Australia.  Other trips included travel to Italy, Croatia, Germany and parts of the United States, which were very memorable moments visiting family and friends.  Las Vegas was another trip she enjoyed very much. There she travelled with her son and had the fulfillment of the dream of a life time when they enjoyed a concert by the three tenors.  In 1990, Mimi and Miro moved once again to Kelowna where they could be close to their daughter and her family.  Many happy memories took place in Kelowna. Being the youngest of six children, Mimi was always sick and had many allergies.  Her life was always a battle with some sort of illness and, later on, developed a heart problem.  Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

A short quote that son Giorgio would like to share:  “The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside of us while we live.”  Good bye for now, Mamma and Nonna, we miss you already, until we meet again.  Know that you will always remain alive inside of us, in our hearts, thoughts and memories.

The family wishes to express special thanks to all who cared for Mom starting with Dr. A.B. Hignell and staff at Guisachan Family Medicine for bringing the family through our challenging times over the many years.  Thank you to Interior Health and the many caregivers for your in-home personal care.  Many thanks to the quick assistance from the Kelowna Ambulance Service, including the Kelowna Fire Department Emergency First Responders for their many trips to Mom’s residence in assisting with calls of emergency and trips to the Kelowna General Emergency, including, but not limited to, the doctors and nurses at KGH.   Acknowledgments of thankfulness and appreciation are also extended to a very special place: Cottonwoods Care Facility Unit D, to ALL their staff.  Carolyn (Recreational Assistant) for always encouraging Mamma to participate in activities even when she was not up to it.  To ALL the nurses, especially Shauna for her time and compassion during the most difficult time in our lives, accepting the fact Mom needed to be admitted to Cottonwoods and that it would be her final place of residence, thank you. Thanks to Kati the Social Worker and her associate for their time in meeting with family and assuring that Mom would be well looked after; for all the guidance you gave to help the family cope with the problems we were facing in improving our lives.  We also gratitude to the many caregivers, volunteers and all kitchen staff (too many to mention) for their time, the excellent care, assisting Mom with her special needs. Showing and giving Mom the love, the care, the hugs and kisses and kind affection, giving Mom the cute nick names, BELLA and BELLISIMA, which would always bring a smile to Mom’s face and brighten her days especially when family could not be there.  Many thanks and much appreciation to Nurse Jerri for the prompt phone call the night before Mamma’s passing.  To all our family and friends who unfailingly gave love and support during this difficult time, we extend our deepest appreciation. Thank you to all those who gave flowers, cards and donations thus far:  your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.  Thank you to the Okanagan Croatian Club for your love and support.   A heartfelt thank you to our cousin Mariella for her love, kindness and support through this very difficult time and especially your presence here in Kelowna after travelling from such a great distance, Sydney, Australia.  Zurino, many thanks for all you’ve always done. Thank you, Claudia, Signor Joe and Signora Liza at Valoroso Foods for your many years of great customer service and the love you had towards Mamma, your patience and catering.  Admiration to Burke Sanbrooks, who through the years, has truly made us feel like family; and to his supporting staff at Springfield Funeral Home who have served us conveniently, ensuring that all details and arrangements are handled promptly, with compassion, dignity and with the utmost respect.  Last, but not least, Father Cerlouie Jimenez for proclaiming the Gospel of salvation and leading the faithful devotion Mamma had to her final destiny.  Church members of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Parish, Mimi’s family thank you all from the bottom of their hearts.  God bless you all!

Prayers will be recited Friday, June 30th 2017 at 5:00 pm at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Parish, 750 Rutland Road North with the Mass of Catholic Burial celebrating Mom’s life to be held the following day on July 1st at 10:30 am also at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Parish with Father Cerlouie Jimenez as Celebrant.  Interment to follow in the St. Theresa’s Cemetery on Sexsmith Road.

Flowers accepted, as Mimi was a garden lover, but because Mom never wanted for herself, donations in Mimi’s memory may be made to the Lung Association of British Columbia, P.O. Box 34009 Stn. D., Vancouver, B.C., V6J 4M2, The Canadian Red Cross Western Canada 1305 – 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alberta T3C 3P6, or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada BC/Yukon Region, Vancouver Chapter 1682 West 7th Avenue Suite 310, Vancouver, BC V6J 4S6.  These are the organizations Mamma held dear to her heart and made donations to throughout her life. If you wish, you may make your memorial donation to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted with Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V8.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”

Prayer Service
Friday, June 30th 2017 at 5:00 pm

Service
Saturday, July 1st at 10:30 am

Location
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Parish

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Lung Association of British Columbia, P.O. Box 34009 Stn. D., Vancouver, B.C., V6J 4M2, The Canadian Red Cross Western Canada 1305 – 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alberta T3C 3P6, or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada BC/Yukon Region, Vancouver Chapter 1682 West 7th Avenue Suite 310, Vancouver, BC V6J 4S6; or a charity of your choice. Link: www.bc.lung.ca , www.redcross.ca , www.llscanada.org

 


Service Information

Service Details

The prayer service for OSTROMAN, Dominica Maria is scheduled for Friday, June 30th 2017 at 5:00 pm at located at 750 Rutland Road North, Kelowna, BC.


The service for OSTROMAN, Dominica Maria is scheduled for Saturday, July 1st at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Parish

750 Rutland Road North Kelowna, BC

Phone:


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