Maria Magdalenich (Melan/Hizak) passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Parksville, British Columbia, at the remarkable age of 95 - with her children by her side.

Born in Bartolovec, Croatia, Maria immigrated to Canada with her family in the late 1950's, first settling in North Battleford and then Calgary. Through hard work and determination, they built a new life there and then in the mid-1960's moved to British Columbia where they established a mink farm. Maria later owned restaurants in downtown Vancouver (Promenade and Panchos) where she shared many evenings in the company of friends - laughing and dancing and eating her good food. Following that she was a chef in various retirement homes and staff cafeterias. Her homeland was of utmost importance to Maria and she visited Croatia very often, returning there upon her retirement to spend numerous years. But then as time went by she felt the need to be closer to her children and came back to Canada. Mica (as her close family and friends called her) loved her "extra special" cars, including a metallic blue Cutlass Supreme, gold Buick, baby blue Continental, and a silver Mercedes - to name a few. She valued time spent with family and friends and took pleasure in travel, conversation, and sharing meals. She is survived by her son John and his wife Zsuzsi, and their children Michael and Jennifer; her daughter Nada and her husband Allan, and their children Shawn and Melanie; and her daughter Annie and her husband Brad, and Annie's children Daniel, Roman, Aaron, and Holly; as well as great grandchildren Tigris, Harlow, Charlotte and Elias. She was predeceased by her first husband John, and second husband Frank. In addition, she is survived by siblings Vera, Stefica, Biserka, Antun and Zeljko (Nada and Andjelka-deceased). Maria was very proud of what her children had accomplished in their lives, and was happy that by coming to Canada they were destined for better lives.

A Mass in celebration of Maria's life will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Church in Vancouver on May 1st, 2026, at 12 noon - with a gathering to follow in the church's hall for all who wish to attend. Those wishing to honour her memory may do so in a way that would have reflected her ways—by taking a nature walk, tending a garden, or donating to a charity of their choice. Maria will be remembered for her strong will to pursue her dreams, for her love of cooking and travelling, for her goal to ensure that her children had strong bonds with each other, and for her love of spending time with family and friends.