Anna Brajdic

Anna “Anka" Brajdic, our mother, Anna (Baka to her grandchildren), was a wonderful woman. Her main focus in life was her family: husband, children, and grandchildren. But her generosity didn’t stop with the immediate family; it also extended to our cousins and our childhood friends. She was loved by many. Anna was a World War II baby. She was born on February 13, 1940, at the beginning of the war in Rakovica, Croatia. Post-war life was not easy for her mother Mary, her sisters Agnes and Helen, and her maternal grandparents. We often heard stories about how hard life was taking care of their small family farm in Rakovica. There was constant work: taking care of livestock, gathering timber from the forest, prepping for the long, cold winters, protecting themselves from wolves (yes wolves), washing clothes in the frigid streams (without proper shoes or clothing)…etc. The theme of Anna’s young life was cold, hunger, and being barefoot. When Anna met Juraj Brajdic around 1954-1955, much of her life changed for the better. Juraj was the town’s master blacksmith and a successful businessman—popular, charming, and well-liked. As the story goes, he had an eye for Anna for some time before their romance truly began to blossom. He wooed her with candies, chocolates, and many other nice things that a young girl desired. Most importantly, he would tell her that “she was the most beautiful girl in the village.” From her old photos, she surely was. Their love blossomed, and they got married in December 1957. They built their house, had three children, and worked toward their future. Their life as a family was grand. Prior to the marriage, Anna’s mother and two sisters moved to Detroit to reunite with Petar (Anna’s father). The family was separated as a result of the war, and in October 1967, Juraj, Anna, and their children moved to Detroit to finally be reunited with her family. They embraced the opportunities of the American dream, striving to provide a better life for their children. Detroit was different from Rakovica. Juraj went to work, and Anna stayed at home to take care of the children. They built their second house and made great friendships through the Croatian church. In March 1975, they became parents to their fourth child, David. One of their main goals was to give their four children a college education—and they did. Juraj and Anna continued to live a beautiful life until Juraj’s unfortunate passing in February 2021. They were married for 63 years. Anna’s most recent gift from God was her three grandchildren: Sabrina (age 24), Miles (age 20), and Lola (age 4 ½). Her children and her grandchildren were her passion. Anna loved cooking, sewing, gardening, and socializing with family and friends—she loved her Turkish coffee. Her home was always warm and welcoming. She found joy in watching PBS shows, particularly those by painter Bob Ross and travel expert Rick Steves. She enjoyed the calming nature of Bob Ross (any other painter was fake), and Rick Steves had Anna traveling all over the world to places that she could not even imagined. In addition, she enjoyed the PBS cooking shows. Anna even tried many of the recipes, bringing new foods into her kitchen. Even though Anna left Rakovica in 1967, she never really left—always on the phone catching up and sharing stories. Since leaving, our parents visited their hometown about five times. Anna loved her America and Croatia families. On reflection, at times, Anna had a hard life, but it was also a life filled with love and friendships. Anna is survived by her children: Mary Ann, Lillian, Damir, David, and their spouses: Paul, Scott, Ginny, and Lindsay. Her grandchildren: Sabrina, Miles, and Lola. Her two loving sisters: Agnes and Helen. Her nieces and nephews: Karen, Suzy, Krissy, Frankie, and Robbie, and their families. In addition to a dear “neighbor-daughter”: Nina, and her children: Tapinder and Tapvir (who also called her “Baka”). Anna may no longer be with us, but her spirit and love remain. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved her. Anna’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and generosity.

Anna Brajdic

February 13, 1940 - July 24, 2024