April 7, 1935 – May 12, 2025

On May 12, 2025, Violet (Vi) Mahovlic passed away peacefully at her beloved home in Osoyoos, British Columbia, at the age of 90. She is now reunited with her husband of 65 years, George.

Vi will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children: daughter Lorrie (Morley), son George Jr. (Sandra), and son David (Sheri); her grandchildren: Stephanie (Kyle), Meagan (Aaron), Brin (Nelson), April (William), and Jason; and her great-granddaughter Elyse (daughter of April and William). She is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and dear friends.

Vi was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rose Manestar; her brothers, Zlatko and Joseph Jr.; her beloved husband, George; her in-laws, John and Magdelena Mahovlic, and George’s siblings: John, Margaret, Kay, Ann, and Mary; her son-in-law, Rolly Boisvert, nephews Ralph, Donald, Jimmy and niece Sharron.

Vi’s father immigrated to Canada from Dramalj, Yugoslavia, in 1924. Her mother and five-year-old brother, Zlatko, followed in 1928. While living in Toronto, Vi tragically lost her brother Zlatko in a high school swimming accident and her father to tuberculosis in 1944. The Croatian community embraced and supported the family, introducing her mother to a widowed Croatian bachelor – also named Joseph Manestar – whom she later married. Soon after, the family relocated to East Vancouver, where they found another vibrant Croatian community and built a new life together.

Vi continued her education, graduated and continued to Business College where she mastered shorthand and honed her secretarial skills. She soon landed a job with Woodwards Department Stores in their Corporate Offices. A young vibrant woman, she actively started attending social events with her brother Joe who convinced her to join the Croatian Bowling League where she immediately caught the eye of a young man named George Mahovlic. George having known Joe well, convinced him to introduce his lovely sister to him. The two met and were instantly smitten. Thus began their courtship – and their legacy.

Vi and George were married on June 8, 1957, and settled in New Westminster to a small six unit apartment building George owned. After their first child, daughter Lorrie was born, George renamed the apartment building the Vi-Lor, which name continues to grace the building to this day. As their family grew, they moved to a home on Hersham Avenue, where they raised their three children.

Over the years, Vi and George created lasting memories vacationing in Hawaii, Mexico, Croatia, Italy and Cuba. They spent winters as snowbirds in Yuma and Phoenix, and summer holidays exploring the Okanagan and B.C. Interior. On a Sunday morning walk while vacationing in Osoyoos, they purchased a lakefront home that would eventually become their dream retirement property. In 1970, the family moved permanently to Osoyoos and began construction of a 10-unit motel, The Bella Villa, which officially opened in May 1971.

Vi’s life took a complete turn – from being the perfect Wife, Mother and Homemaker to now becoming a business owner, front desk clerk, accountant, chambermaid and hostess – while still managing to be the best Wife and Mother anyone could ever wish for. The once “Shy Vi” was put in the forefront, and she embraced the challenge putting her all into building a successful business alongside her husband and partner. They continued running the Bella Villa, eventually adding 4 more lakefront units until 1983 when they sold and built their final retirement home.

Vi enjoyed golfing, particularly with the ladies’ league, and was an active member of the Gyro Club as a “Gyrette.” Even after the club dissolved, the strong friendships she formed remained. The Mahovlic home was always full of warmth, joy, and laughter – dinner parties and get-togethers were frequent and fabulous. You were always welcomed with open arms and a generous spirit.

The final years without George were difficult for Vi. She missed him dearly and often spoke of looking forward to the day they would be together again. The family finds comfort knowing that they are now reunited.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all of Vi’s friends and neighbours for their support and companionship in her later years. In particular, they wish to thank Peter and Susan Evans for their incredible kindness—driving Vi to appointments, lending a hand whenever needed, and being steadfast companions. Your care meant the world to her and to all of us.

In accordance with her wishes, Vi has been cremated. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared by the family.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com