Maria Brunac

Maria was born in Premuda, Croatia, on February 25, 1922, to Ivan and Ljubica Bujacic. She passed away at the age of 101 on April 6th, 2023.

Maria met the love of her life, Alex, while he was working on Premuda, and they were married on April 14, 1942. Because of the war, Mom and Dad were separated for 9 years before being reunited in 1954 in San Pedro, CA. After a short stay there, they decided to move to Washington State, living in Gig Harbor for 3 years, then buying their first house in Tacoma’s North End.

Mom always put her husband and family first. A talented cook and baker, she made sure she had freshly made cookies or pastries on hand whenever friends and family stopped by.

Maria was very loving, friendly and generous to everyone. She had many talents: sewing, knitting, keeping a spotless house, growing bountiful vegetables in her large garden, and, of course, cooking!

She and Alex enjoyed traveling to places in the US as well as Australia and Croatia visiting friends and relatives. What Mom enjoyed most was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maria was very proud of her Croatian heritage, was a member of the Slavonian American Benevolent Society and St. Patrick Catholic Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alex, of 66 years, and her brothers, Daro and Dolfo. She is survived by her sister, Zdenka of Croatia; daughters Rosanda Kelly (Fred), Violet Fogale (Mario); grandchildren Mark Fuchs, Michelle Nichols (Nick), Jennifer LaCasse, Joseph Fuchs, Sean Fogale; great- grandchildren Riley Hurt, June LaCasse and Joe Nichols.

Mom, Grandma, Nana: “You are loved so much. We will miss you dearly. You will never be forgotten and will be in our hearts forever”.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Franciscan Hospice, or to a charity of your choice. Rosary will be recited Thursday, April 13th, 2023, 7 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Viewing will be prior to the Rosary from 4:00 pm to 6:45 pm.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 14, 2023, 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1123 North J St., Tacoma. Entombment at Calvary Cloisters.