Koviljka Kukolj (née Ilišević) passed away suddenly at age 85 on March 23rd. Koviljka was born on 14 January 1941 to Milja and Stojan in what is currently Gradiška, Republika Srpska of the former Yugoslavia. Having survived the brutality of WWII, Koviljka’s early childhood shaped her tenacity and fortitude, qualities that defined her character throughout life. She spent her teen and adolescent years under the guardianship of her older sister Sava and brother in-law Milan Mihaljica, schooling in Belgrade, Serbia and working at the family shoe store.

In 1962, she emigrated to Montreal and wed Ostoja Kukolj going on to have 2 children, Nada and George. She was a loving, caring wife, as well as a wonderful mother, who successfully passed on her resilience and determination to her children and ensured they were well educated. Fond memories include early trips to Europe to visit family and friends, as well as relaxing summer vacations at the family cottage in the Lanaudière. She was blessed with two wonderful grandchildren with whom she loved to play and helped raise.

Koviljka was predeceased by her husband Ostoja, her sisters Mileva, Sava, Vukosava, Stoja, and her brothers Ostoja and Uroš. She is survived by her older sisters Zdravka and Mira, her daughter Nada (Norman Watt), son George (Chantal Autexier), granddaughter Milena and grandson Nikola.

Koviljka’s memory will be cherished by her many family and friends at home and abroad.

Visitation service at the Aeterna Funeral Complex (55, Gince Street, Montreal [St-Laurent], H4N 1J7) March 28th 5-9 PM.

Funeral service (Opelo) will be held at the Serbian Orthodox Church Holy Trinity in Montreal (349 Melville Avenue, Westmount) on Sunday, March 29th, at 12:30 PM followed by repast (Daća) at the same location.

Interment at the Côte-des-Neiges Cemetery is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Serbian Orthodox Church Holy Trinity in Montreal, or a charity of your choice.