From Croatia to Canada: Baka Milka celebrates her 100th birthday

by croatiaweek
March 11, 2024
in News

From Croatia to Canada: Baka Milka celebrates 100th birthday

(Photo: Private album)

Turning 100 is a monumental milestone in anyone’s life, and for Milka Pavicic, it’s a testament to resilience, strength, and a life well-lived.

On Sunday, her family and close friends gathered to celebrate the impressive achievement.

Born Milka Kranjac on March 8th, 1924, in Kunići, Netretić in Croatia’s Karlovac County, her journey spans continents, challenges, and countless cherished memories.

In 1945, she married Stjepan Pavicic and they settled in the village of Baići. They had two sons, Nikola and Ivan. However, life’s journey took an unexpected turn with Stjepan’s passing in 1974.

Milka, alongside her sons, Nikola and Ivan, embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Mississauga, Canada, in 1976.

Both sons found love and got married in their new homeland of Canada. Ivan married Ane Frankovic in 1984 and they have three children. Ivan (Ashley), Maryanne and Rosemary. Nikola sadly passed away in 1990.

Milka has 3 great-grandchildren, Ava, Austin and Victoria, from grandson Ivan.

(Photo: Private album)

Milka’s strength and spirit are palpable in every aspect of her life.

“Milka has always been fierce and strong. She has overcome many serious illnesses as she’s had the will to live long,” the family says, adding.

“Her hobbies while she still could included cooking, gardening and being the neighborhood watch. She loved dog-sitting and feeding the family dog, Lex. She always enjoyed a morning shot of domaća Šiljva or Jäegermeister. During dinner she enjoyed her homemade wine, which she happily served to our kumovi and friends.”

(Photo: Private album)

Milka often traveled back to Karlovac to visit family and friends.

“Her suitcase on her way home was always filled with no less than 15L of Šiljiva which she proudly transported without any issues. We were always impressed!,” the family recalls.

Milka is not afraid of anyone or anything. Her family recalls a time at 80 years old when she locked herself out of the house and took a 24-foot ladder to climb the second story window to get back in.

She is still drinking Jägermeister once in a while, hiding it from the nurses in the home where she is currently living. She has lots of determination to stay strong and exercises daily in her wheelchair or bed.

The special cake was made by renowned cake maker Tanya Petrina (Photo: Private album)

She now keeps herself busy by checking to ensure all her clothes and items are not missing from her drawers. Her mind and memory are still very sharp and she remembers everyone’s birthday including her great-grandchildren.

“We always knew she would make it to 100! We love our Baka Milka!” the family fondly declares.