It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Nana, and sister, on January 26, 2011.
Lee was born in Vrata, Croatia, on September 23, 1924. She came to Canada as a child with her mother to rejoin her father who was working in Trail. Lee attended school in Trail. The family later moved to Rossland where she graduated high school. After graduating from business college she worked as a stenographer in Trail, Vancouver, and then Osoyoos. Lee returned to Trail, where she married Mike Sammartino, and they settled in Warfield.
Lee was a passionate gardener and also enjoyed sewing and baking. She was a member of the CWL, a leader of the Girl Guides, and an active member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. She very much enjoyed her regular afternoon and evening bridge sessions with her friends.
Lee was predeceased by her husband Mike Sammartino and her parents Ivan and Andjelka Jovanovic. Surviving Lee are her two daughters and their families: Terry (Gordon McTeer), Michael (Llora), Timothy, and Megan; Denise (Jeff Leigh), Amanda, and Jennifer. She is also survived by her brother Bill Jovanovic (Jean) and his family.
Lee will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
Prayers will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Father Matthieu Gombo will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony’s on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Bill Clark of Personal Alternative Funeral Services “Carberry’s Chapel” is entrusted with arrangements.