Maria Skopac (nee Faraguna)

February 8, 1930 - April 23, 2019
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Skopac (nee Faraguna) on April 23, 2019. Maria was born on February 8, 1930 in Ripenda, Croatia. She met the love of her life, Albert Skopac, in Labin, Croatia, in 1948. They immigrated, along with their two children, Dan and Marena, to Nelson in 1960, after spending some time in a refugee camp in Trieste, Italy. Maria and Albert were eager to adapt to their new Canadian home. While Maria worked at Mount St Francis, Albert founded Skopac Electric, and they made many lifelong friends, some of whom Maria reconnected with when she recently moved back to Nelson. In 1971, Maria and Albert bought Brad's Motel on the North Shore, which they operated until they left Nelson.
Albert's love for the Mediterranean climate inspired their next move to White Rock, BC, in 1979. Their daughter, Marena, joined them there a few years later. There were many trips back and forth over the years so that they could spend time with their three granddaughters in Nelson. In later years, their granddaughters attended university in Vancouver and were grateful for Grandma and Grandpa's continual support and care packages. Maria and Albert enjoyed their retirement, which included many travels abroad, until Albert's passing in 1998.
Maria relocated back to Nelson in December 2018 and was very content to be surrounded by her son, brother, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends. Our family is grateful for the four months we had with grandma here before she passed, and we wish her time with us could have lasted longer. We already miss her sweet nature and culinary brilliance, especially her shortbread, calamari, and legendary gnocchi.
Maria was predeceased by her husband, Albert, in 1998, her daughter, Marena, in 2016, her parents, Martin and Katica Faraguna, and her siblings Mario, Joseph, Angelo, Milia, and Anica. She is survived by her brother, Guido Faraguna, son Dan Skopac (Donna), grandchildren Erica Skopac (Paul Gould), Jaclyn Skopac, Robyn (Mike) Kinrade, and great- grandchildren Lyla, Juliet, and Finn, all of Nelson. Grandma is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Many thanks to the wonderful nurses on the 3rd floor at KLH for your compassion toward our family, and for making our grandma so comfortable.
A service will be held on Saturday May 25, 2019 at Cathedral of Mary Immaculate at 11 am, followed by a reception. Interment will follow this summer in White Rock, BC.
If you wish to leave a personal message of condolence you can visit the family's online register at www.thompsonfs.ca.

Thompson Funeral Services Ltd.

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