Obituary of Verica Paukner

August 26, 1934 – Lukovdol, Croatia

May 31, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deeply heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Verica Paukner on Friday, May 31, 2024.

She is survived by her sisters, Zdenka Stipanović and Mira Babić, and her brother Josip Martinac, all in Croatia; her daughter Ljiljana Aranzulo with her husband Nikola, grandchildren Franka Aranzulo Bulatovic and Eneriko Aranzulo, and great-grandson Andrej Bulatovic in Montenegro; and her granddaughter Krinka Paukner in Canada.

Verica was born in a small village in Gorski Kotar, Croatia, into the very large Martinac family. She grew up on a family acreage, where she often returned in her later years to help take care of it and visit. She married Anto Paukner early on and had a beautiful, long marriage until her husband passed away in 1990. She was a doting mother to her two daughters, Gordana and Ljiljana, and was an immense help in raising her granddaughter Krinka. Her role as a mother was shown through unconditional love, kindness, and generosity that extended beyond her immediate family to many lives she touched.

In her healthy days, she loved knitting and sewing and used to make extravagant clothes for her family. She spent most of her life taking care of others and even survived two wars in her lifetime. She was incredibly strong and resilient, but somehow always found a way to be grateful and positive.

She moved to Canada with her daughter Gordana and granddaughter Krinka in 1996. Soon after, she moved out on her own and very much enjoyed her independence and her own apartment. She loved hosting her friends and family and enjoyed sharing her delicious cooking with all. Her home was filled with plants, love, and care.

Even though she dealt with many health challenges throughout her life, she was always happy and loved when her friends and family visited her. She was always close to her family and cherished each moment spent together.

We take solace in knowing she is now reunited with her husband Anto and daughter Gordana. She will be sorely missed by all.

Family and friends who would like to pay their respects and say their goodbyes to Verica are invited to do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Verica’s family here.

In living memory of Verica Paukner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.