Danka (Danica/Donna) Sepa, age 87 of Thunder Bay, passed away on November 20, 2023, at Hogarth Riverview Manor, with family by her side.
Danka was born to Miko and Blaz Karabatic on June 10, 1936, in Dvornica, the former Jugoslavija, now Croatia. She travelled to Italy in 1957 and six months later she boarded the MS Volcania (passenger ship) destined for Canada. Upon arrival, she travelled by train to Fort William and began working at One Minute Lunch Restaurant for a brief period of time. This is where she met Milovan and they married on February 15, 1958, recently celebrating 65 years of marriage. Later on, she became employed by the Princes Hotel and then Dawson Court, then gave up work to focus on raising their three daughters.
Danka maintained a strong work ethic by keeping the home organized and immaculate, helped paint and clean the apartments they owned, gardened, baked amazing deserts and cooked incredible meals. Her perogies and homemade strudel were extremely popular at family dinners, and you never left without taking home leftovers. The flower and vegetable gardens flourished with the touch of her green thumb. She learned to knit and crochet without patterns and her skill reflected in her ability to replicate any design from pictures alone. It was obvious that Danka took great pride in everything she did. Danka excelled at fishing, card games, dominos and bocce ball and always managed to keep everyone laughing, even when she was winning. In addition to this, she enjoyed taking long walks, swimming, blueberry picking and spending quality time with family and friends.
Anyone with an opportunity to meet Danka, enjoyed her company, as she loved a good laugh with friends and family, whom she treasured dearly. Danka always commented on how much she missed her family in Croatia. She returned home several times to enjoy the company of her family and the beautiful sunny coastline. Her travels over the years took her to friends and family in various destinations to include southern Ontario, the United States and Europe. Danka and Milovan travelled to New Smyrna Beach, Florida for 12 years to escape the harsh winters. While enjoying their Florida home, they grew papayas, oranges and grapefruit, shrimped, fished, attended weekly auctions, perused the flea markets, watched the dog races and took in sight seeing at popular destinations. The beach offered them many days of swimming, walking, basking in the sun and the ability to view the Kennedy Space Centre shuttle launches. Definitely no shortage of taking in the adventures that life had to offer.
Danka’s family meant the world to her. She was a proud “Baba” and thoroughly enjoyed being called Baba. Baba loved her family and was extremely proud of her grandchildren, whom she often called “sunse”, which translates to “sunshine” in English. Her great granddaughter Sydney lit up her life and Baba could be found spending every available minute with her. Baba’s beautiful smile, along with endless hugs and kisses always greeted family when they arrived at her home, and family could always expect the same before leaving. Her hospitality and kindness always extended to everyone dropping by for a visit and she valued long-time friendships. She was a very beautiful soul, full of kindness, generosity and love for those dear to her. We will forever miss her immensely.
Predeceased by her parents Miko and Blaz Karabatic, brother Ante (Antica), brother-in-law Marin Grgurevic and granddaughter Melissa Newbold. Survived by husband Milovan, daughters Mira (Loris) Pradal, Vera Newbold (Len), Diane (Geoff) Bjorn, grandchildren Marlee, Spencer (Alissa), Megan (Michael), Maddison (Erik), Mitchell, Hayden, great granddaughter Sydney and sister Rozarija Grgurevic in Croatia, along with numerous family in Croatia, Canada, United States and Australia.
We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Feldstein, nursing staff in 3B at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and 1 North Daffodil staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor, caring for Danka over the past year. Special thank you to Dr. Storkson for providing Danka with the best care possible over the years and for always being available to support our family, when we needed it most.
Danka was laid to rest on Friday, November 24, 2023, at St. Andrews Mausoleum on Oliver Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
Volim te zauvijek sunce. Tvoja familija
Love you forever sunshine. Your family
