Obituary of Marija Turkovic

Marija Turkovic (née Kraljic), age 91, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2019 at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of Joseph for 70 years. She was the loving mother of her son, John, who predeceased her, her daughter, Maria Mrakovcic and her husband, Peter and her son, Nicholas and his wife, Elizabeth. Beloved grandmother to Peter Mrakovcic and his wife, Mary, Daniel Mrakovcic and his wife, Tracy, Joseph Turkovic (deceased), Theresa Turkovic, Richard Turkovic, Kristen-Anne Cauterucci and her husband, Anthony and Evan Turkovic. Beloved great grandmother to Violet, Kyla, Lanie and Christian. The beloved sister to Katherine Cizin and her husband, Miro. Dear aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Helen Antoncic and her husband, Joseph. Marija was born and raised in Omisalj, Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) in 1928. She attended local schools and became a seamstress. In 1949, she married the love of her life, Joseph. Looking for a better life, Marija, Joseph and their children, John and Maria emigrated to the United States in 1960. The young family lived briefly in Manhattan before settling on Staten Island in 1962. A devoted and loving mother, Marija, also worked at several dress factories on Staten Island where she was known as one of the fastest zipper-makers on the Island. After retiring in 1991, she continued to do alterations and make dresses for many family members and friends. After retirement, Marija became a daily communicant at the Church of St. Rita. She was very active with the St. Rita's Ladies Guild and the St. Rita's Quilting Club (which she lovinglyreferred to as her "job"). As speedy with knitting needles as she was with her sewing machine, she made countless wool scarves for family and friends. You were very lucky if you received one. A wonderful cook and baker, she was well known for her gnocchi and "Croatian" Christmas cookies. (Her secret is safe with us.) No one ever left her home hungry. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday, departing at 9:15AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of St. Rita at 10:00AM. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, Staten Island. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.