ANCIMER, Danica (nee Tekavčič) - With great sadness, we announce the passing of Danica Ančimer (née Tekavčič) on July 3, 2020 at the age of 90. Danica, devout in her faith, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones.
Danica was a loving sister to Peter and her late brother Valentine, and a loving daughter to the late Rudolf and Albina.
She was predeceased by her first husband Franc Petrič, their daughter Christine (John), and her second husband Ivan Ančimer.
She will be forever loved by her children Betty (Darko), Lenka (John), Cindy (Justin), Richard (Lisa), Tony, and David (Lydia). She was devoted to her children and supported them in starting their lives off on the right foot.
She was Staramama to Mike (Michelle), Tanya, Victor (Kellie), Danielle (Dan), Cameron, Alexandra, Rudy, Andrew, Elena, Stephanie, Michael, Emma, and Emily, who bonded during baby-sitting sessions, weekly cheesy-noodle dinners, and holiday family gatherings. Her great-grandchildren Madeleine, Lucas, Mikey, Brodie, Ben, and Beau were just starting to get to know her. Staramama learned how to Skype and Facetime to keep in touch with her great-grandkids.
She was the matriarch of this extended family, staying central to the family gatherings to the end, keeping the family connected. Her children will work hard to preserve this legacy.
Born in Žužemberk, Slovenia on December 18, 1929, she survived the second world war, three years in a refugee camp in Austria, and immigrated to Canada in 1948 with her parents and brothers. She worked hard to establish a new life, met and married Franc, had three daughters (Chris, Betty, Lenči), with Franc dying prematurely in 1970.
She then married Ivan, welcomed his three children (Cindy, Ritchie, Tony), whom she raised as her own, with Dave coming into the mix in 1973. She spent the next years focused on raising her large family. She transitioned gracefully into her role as Staramama as her children grew and had children of their own. She will be remembered for noodle and strudel making, hosting the family gatherings, and sharing Slovenian customs and traditions.
Danica’s faith provided the foundation to overcome all obstacles thrown in her path. Deeply devout, she used her Roman Catholic teachings as the basis for her decision making throughout her life. She made many contributions to the Slovenian church and community, including as a founding member of the Catholic Women’s Organization (KŽL) at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal parish.
We will be eternally grateful for her love, devotion, generosity, passion for life, and her strength and determination. She will be greatly missed by her extended family and friends.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family on Monday, July 6th from 4 - 9 p.m., at the Ridley Funeral home (3080 Lake Shore Blvd W., Etobicoke). ** Please note: due to Covid 19 regulations, the number of people who can attend the visitation at any one time is restricted and some guests may have to wait to be admitted. We ask that you please respect physical distancing guidelines, and refrain from hugs or handshakes while in attendance
The funeral service is BY INVITATION ONLY, scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday July 7th at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal (730 Brown’s Line, Etobicoke).
In her memory, donations to Sharelife or The Slovenian Linden Foundation-Dom Lipa would be greatly appreciated.
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