It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our loving mother Michelina, at age 91.  Born in Miren, Slovenia, she enjoyed 72 wonderful years in Ottawa after adopting it as her new home. She was a very kind and strong lady, and a consummate host of many fine dinners at her family home, happily attended by family and friends. Her passions were her home, her family, and her exquisite garden. 

Predeceased by husband Peter and daughter Helen (George Kealey), Michelina loved her family dearly. Survived by her children: Patty (Jim),  Peter (Carol), and Paul (Charmaine), and her 10 grandchildren: Kathleen & Nicholas Kealey; Brittany, Tristan & Shannon Paul; Alexander, Michael & Angelina Presunka; and Madison & Sophia Presunka. She is also survived by many dear family members in Slovenia.
 
After surviving World War II, and life briefly in a displaced persons camp in northern Italy, she made her way to Canada alone at 19 years old, followed by her dearly departed twin sister Maria, and started a new life with her marriage to Peter and career at the Ottawa Public Library and National Research Council Canada (NRC). She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends and the many other lives she touched, including her special friend the late Bruce Hayes. We would like to thank Dr. Nicole LeBlanc and the nursing staff at the Montfort Hospital for their exceptional care during her brief stay there, and to all the staff and friends at the Beacon Heights Retirement residence, her home for the past 4 years.

Friends and family are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O’Connor), Ottawa, on Wednesday, July 13th after 10am, until the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 11am.  Onsite reception to follow.  

Memorial donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation appreciated by the family.