Obituary of Myriam Dragicevic

DRAGICEVIC MYRIAM Surrounded by love and her family at her side, Myriam passed away peacefully at home on December 9th, 2010, at the age of 49 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Welcoming her at the gates of heaven are her parents, Christiane and Marko Dragicevic and brother Mark, who passed before her. A devoted wife and mother, Myriam will be missed by her husband, Dr. Joseph Formicuccia and 8 year old daughter, Lea. Myriam and Joe shared 30 years of a wonderful and adventurous life together which began as university sweethearts. It was very difficult for Myriam to leave her loving daughter Lea who was the centre of her universe †" her angel whom she cherished and loved so dearly. However, she was at peace knowing she will be watching over her from above. Myriam will be dearly missed by sisters Maria Popowich and husband Gary of Oakville, and Mylene Dragicevic of Vancouver. Myriam will be fondly remembered by mother-in-law Joanne, wife of the late Victor Formicuccia, sisters-in-law, Donna Formicuccia-Papineau and husband Peter, and Rossana Huber and husband Ken, brothers-in-law Romano Formicuccia and wife Chantelle and Robert Formicuccia. Also in mourning are her nieces and nephews, Deanna, Rochelle, Eric, Isabella, Alexa, and Leonardo. Originally from Oshawa, Myriam attended and graduated from Brock University. Upon graduation, Myriam decided to settle down in St. Catharines as she loved the Niagara Region. Myriam was an active member in the community with her tremendous work and dedicated involvement in her career as Executive Director with Meals on Wheels Thorold/St. Catharines over the span of 22 years. During that time, Myriam strongly advocated on behalf of the many seniors and individuals with disabilities in the community to ensure affordable access to quality service. Myriam was a leader and dynamic person who loved to laugh and was compassionate about the needs of others. Myriam always lived her life with passion and loved deeply. She lived a short, but full life and was a courageous and spirited fighter to the end. Family will receive friends at George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines (905-937-4444) on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held at Star of the Sea Church, 34 Elgin Street, Port Dalhousie on Monday at 12 noon. Family members wish to extend their deepest gratitude to family and friends near and far and to the community of Mother Teresa School who supported the family in many ways during Myriam†™s fight against cancer. Special mention is also extended to all the volunteers who worked so tirelessly organizing a fundraising dinner to help towards her immense medical costs and to those who attended who opened their hearts so generously. Many thanks to Community Care for their compassionate care, the oncology departments at Juravinski Cancer Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona and to Myriam†™s local oncologist, Dr. Levesque. There are no words to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Kelada-Sedra, Myriam†™s family physician, dear friend and earthly angel, who went above and beyond offering support in every manner and ensuring her comfort to the end of her life†™s journey. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Gillian†™s Place in memory of Myriam.