MARIJA SIKORA

Marija Sikora (nee Valentic), age 91, of Winnipeg, passed away peacefully at Holy Family Personal Care Home on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with her family at her side.

Marija was born February 10, 1934, in Kruskovac, Croatia and immigrated to Winnipeg with her daughter Kathy, on December 31, 1962, to be reunited with her husband/Kathy’s father, Mato Sikora. She was predeceased by parents Franjo and Paulina Valentic; brothers Ante, Nicola and Franjo Valentic; sisters Anka Jurcic, Tina Magdic, Jelena Cindric and Draga Mujic; close cousin Pero Bogovic; ex-husband Mato Sikora; niece Draga Marusic and sons-in-law Paul Chitty and James Houston.

Marija is survived by daughters Kathy, Anne (Bill) and Rosie (Mitch); grandchildren Joshua and girlfriend Amanda, Daniel and Benjamin; sister-in-law Anka Valentic, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces/nephews and great grandnieces/nephews in the U.S. and Croatia.

Marija was a devout Roman Catholic who loved her family and her grandchildren with all her heart. She worked hard her whole life and passed on a strong work ethic to her children and grandchildren. She held various positions having worked in food preparation and the garment manufacturing industry, but the majority of her work career involved cleaning/housekeeping positions. When she finally retired, she had been working at Seven Oaks Hospital in the housekeeping department for almost 20 years and would proudly tell anyone about that experience.

Marija had many talents and was skilled at cross stitch, crochet, knitting, and she was an amazing gardener. She was an excellent cook and baker, and the grandchildren always looked forward to meals at their “Baka’s” home. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to all the health care staff who provided exceptional care to mom over the past 8 months. That includes staff at Irene Baron Eden Centre; Concordia Hospital; Extendicare Charleswood and Holy Family Personal Care Home. We are also thankful to the WRHA Home Care staff who supported mom over the past few years.

Viewing and condolences will be received at St. Nicholas Tavelich Church, 2688 Main Street on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will take place at Glen Eden Cemetery, 4477 Main St., West St. Paul, following mass with reception at the church hall afterwards.