In memory of
Katica 'Kaja' Popovic
June 19, 1934 - November 9, 2026
It is with great sadness we share the passing of Katica ‘Kaja’ Popovic who died peacefully at home surround by her loving family on Monday, November 9th, 2026 in Toronto, Canada at the age of 92.
Kaja lived a life full of unwavering love and optimism. Her family meant everything to her and were who she devoted her entire life to selflessly with every ounce of her being.
Born in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia (the former Yugoslavia), she had a beautiful early childhood with her mother Terezija (Hedrih) Zarin, father Branko Zarin and three siblings, Jelka, Bozica and Slavko. Kaja married the love of her life, her greatest friend and husband Svetislav ‘Bata’ Popovic (1934-2009) in 1955, and welcomed their beloved daughter Natasha (Popovic) Plavsic the following year. They lived happily as a family traveling and camping throughout Europe and Yugoslavia where they built a beautiful home together.
Kaja and Bata immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1991 to be with their daughter Natasha, and dearest son-in-law Miroslav Plavsic for the birth of her granddaughter Sara Plavsic, where she lived with them together for the remainder of her life. Sara was the light of her life and her dearest love for whom she shared many beautiful years with and played a pivotal role in upbringing. She was overjoyed to welcome her grandson-in law Steven Gasior to the family and this year her great grand-daughter Carmen Gasior.
Kaja was an avid reader, who always sought to learn and share her knowledge with those around her. As a founding member of Serbica Book Club in Toronto, for over 20 years she shared lectures and reflections to a beloved literary community, enriching the minds of all those around her. From world history to current events, her memory was unparalleled having read thousands of books over the years to fuel her curiosity. She had a rich knowledge of the Serbian language and culture which she shared with her family through her eloquent writings and traditions. She always said she was grateful to have such beautiful and peaceful final years with thanks to her dear children and her beloved books. As a parting gift to her family she wrote them all many letters sharing her wisdom, family history and life experiences that will be forever cherished.
Her family and friends are so unbelievably lucky to have had her by their side for everything all of their lives. Her unwavering love for everyone was truly selfless, as she devoted her entire life to those she loved the most with duty and grace.
On Sunday, she spent her last day at home with her loves, granddaughter Sara and great-granddaughter Carmen, giggling and laughing together. In her eyes, it was a perfect day.
She had the kindest, purest heart and was deeply respected by all those who had the privilege to know her. Kaja will be missed terribly but will remain in our hearts and memories forever.
Thank you dear Kajo for sharing your life and love with us all, it was our greatest honour. We love you so very much, forever and always. ❤️
Kaja lived a life full of unwavering love and optimism. Her family meant everything to her and were who she devoted her entire life to selflessly with every ounce of her being.
Born in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia (the former Yugoslavia), she had a beautiful early childhood with her mother Terezija (Hedrih) Zarin, father Branko Zarin and three siblings, Jelka, Bozica and Slavko. Kaja married the love of her life, her greatest friend and husband Svetislav ‘Bata’ Popovic (1934-2009) in 1955, and welcomed their beloved daughter Natasha (Popovic) Plavsic the following year. They lived happily as a family traveling and camping throughout Europe and Yugoslavia where they built a beautiful home together.
Kaja and Bata immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1991 to be with their daughter Natasha, and dearest son-in-law Miroslav Plavsic for the birth of her granddaughter Sara Plavsic, where she lived with them together for the remainder of her life. Sara was the light of her life and her dearest love for whom she shared many beautiful years with and played a pivotal role in upbringing. She was overjoyed to welcome her grandson-in law Steven Gasior to the family and this year her great grand-daughter Carmen Gasior.
Kaja was an avid reader, who always sought to learn and share her knowledge with those around her. As a founding member of Serbica Book Club in Toronto, for over 20 years she shared lectures and reflections to a beloved literary community, enriching the minds of all those around her. From world history to current events, her memory was unparalleled having read thousands of books over the years to fuel her curiosity. She had a rich knowledge of the Serbian language and culture which she shared with her family through her eloquent writings and traditions. She always said she was grateful to have such beautiful and peaceful final years with thanks to her dear children and her beloved books. As a parting gift to her family she wrote them all many letters sharing her wisdom, family history and life experiences that will be forever cherished.
Her family and friends are so unbelievably lucky to have had her by their side for everything all of their lives. Her unwavering love for everyone was truly selfless, as she devoted her entire life to those she loved the most with duty and grace.
On Sunday, she spent her last day at home with her loves, granddaughter Sara and great-granddaughter Carmen, giggling and laughing together. In her eyes, it was a perfect day.
She had the kindest, purest heart and was deeply respected by all those who had the privilege to know her. Kaja will be missed terribly but will remain in our hearts and memories forever.
Thank you dear Kajo for sharing your life and love with us all, it was our greatest honour. We love you so very much, forever and always. ❤️