With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dana Grozdanovski, who peacefully left us on August 25, 2024, in her 91st year.

Dana was born in Ljubojno, Macedonia, on July 13, 1933, as one of seven children to Alekso and Petra Nivicki. In her early years, Dana met and married the love of her life, Done. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Blaga and Lila. Seeking new opportunities for themselves and their daughters, Dana and Done immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1970, where they built a beautiful life together.

Our Baba Dana was the most gracious and generous individual, always sharing her delicious homemade Macedonian food and her handmade wool slippers, which kept our feet warm during the winter and served as the best skates on tiles when we were all younger. Baba's green thumb was evident to all who knew her. Her garden, a place of peace, colour, and life, reflected her love for nature, filled with vibrant flowers and bountiful vegetables. From the first blooms of spring to the last harvest in fall, her garden was a testament to the peace and beauty she cultivated. Her love for gardening was not just a hobby but a way of life that she generously shared with her family, friends, and neighbours. She even had our Dedo Done ensure that her cordless phone worked in the garden so she didn’t miss any calls from her daughters, grandchildren, sisters and many friends who lived worldwide.

Family was central to Baba’s life; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her most significant and proudest achievements. The countless sleepovers and family celebrations are too many to count, and our childhood was filled with beautiful stories of her early years in Macedonia and her life lessons on being kind to one another and treating everyone with respect. Her home was always open, a place of warmth and love, where the room was filled with laughter, and the table had way more food than we could eat. She was a constant source of support and wisdom, always offering a kind word, a listening ear, and a helping hand.

Baba Dana has now been reunited in heaven with her husband, our Dedo Done, her son-in-law Vele, and her beloved grandson Mike (Mende).

Dana is survived by her devoted daughters, Blaga (Vele) and Lila (Louie); her grandchildren, Daniella (Steve), Dianna, and Stefanie (Mike); and her great-grandchildren, Mateo, Vienna, Olivia, James, Jack, and Patrick.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and the beauty of her garden will continue to bloom in our hearts. As we mourn her passing, we take solace in knowing that her spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear. Baba Dana's presence will be deeply missed, but her influence, marked by her love and kindness, will be everlasting.

Our gratitude goes to the compassionate staff and doctors at the Kristus Darzs Latvian Home and the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness towards our Baba Dana. We are eternally grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time.

Though she may no longer be with us, Baba Dana's spirit lives on in our hearts, and her memory will continue to comfort us. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We love you deeply and will always cherish our time with you!