Molly (Oliva) Beljanic

March 19, 1932 – September 24, 2021

With sadness, we announce the passing of Molly Josephine (Oliva) Beljanic. A colourful storyteller, lover of bargains, collector of the most interesting things, avid reader, adept crossword puzzler, the best cook, the heartiest laugh, a remarkable person who never considered herself to be remarkable, except that she was.

Molly was predeceased by her husband Drago Beljanic in 1991; parents Natalia (Sztangret) and Peter Oliva; brothers and sisters-in-law Tony (Jean), George (Nellie), Eddie (Clara), Al, and Teddy in infancy; nephews Larry, Richard, Gojko; closest cousin and childhood partner in crime John Komish.

She will be remembered by a wide array of family, daughter Dana Beljanic (Bill Featherstone) “daughter #2” JoAnne Buth (Grant Hayton) sister-in-law Elsie Oliva; Komish Family (Minnie, Kathy, Randy, Valerie, George, Peter, Jean) Bijeljanin Family (Vladimir, Branka, Ljubomir, Lela, Vedran, Vladan) Oliva/Olive Family (Jeanette, Joanne, Fred, Gill, Lorraine, Barb, Debbie, Frank, Nancy, Ed, Glenn, Laurie, Elizabeth, Larry, Deanna, Jim) Featherstone Family (Michael, Kat, Brett, Cas, Keifer, Craig, Ofelia) Molly was a proud and much loved Baka to Vanja Bijeljanin Okusimba (Aggrey, Thomas) and Milan Bijeljanin (Amy, Emma).

Molly was born in Winnipeg and lived the first 5 years of her life in Libau before moving back to the city. She returned every year to the Komish farm where she flipped off her shoes in June and didn’t put them back on until September. She attended Argyle, Gordon Bell, and Mulvey schools and got her first job at a finance company. As a result, Molly swore she would never buy anything on credit or own a credit card – a principle she hung on to until she needed an Eaton’s card to get her employee discount. Not long after school, she met a handsome Bosnian who rented a room at the Oliva rooming house. One thing led to another and soon Molly and Drago were married and moved to Wolseley Avenue where they put down deep roots.

Like most women of her era, Molly became involved in neighbourhood activities like the Wolseley Home and School Association and volunteering at school events. Kids liked to come over to the house, sometimes to play with Dana and other times to hear Mrs. B’s stories like “Molly and the Technical Boots.” There was always cookies and a jug of Kool Aid. Also like most women of her era Molly decided that she really needed to get out of the house, so she found a part-time job at Eaton’s Polo Park which stretched into a full-time career. This led to new experiences and friendships – like Joyce Luff, a dear friend to this day.

After Molly retired, she began volunteering at the Nearly New Shop on Portage Avenue. This was a match made in heaven. At the age of 71 Molly decided to build a new house in Richmond West which led to volunteering at the Victoria General Hospital for several years. More recently, Molly moved to Southpark Estates where she enjoyed her apartment overlooking the park and the company of a wonderful group of people. It’s never too late to make new friends, especially Sylvia Snow who became a great pal.

Molly enjoyed a full and independent life. How incredibly lucky to have had the benefit of her strength, stability, wisdom, humour, and generosity in our lives.

Respecting Molly’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life is planned with family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization of your choice.