Obituary of Ivanka Vera Brkic

Ivanka Vera Brkic, age 93, died Saturday, January 23, 2021, three weeks shy of her 94th birthday. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Vera was the last surviving sibling of three children. She endured WWII in Europe with great difficulty, ultimately living in refugee camps for seven years until finally coming to America in 1956. Though she carried with her the burden of personal family tragedies that had lifelong impact, Vera strove to assimilate here and eventually became naturalized as a U.S. citizen. In 1959, Vera married Stjepan Brkic, and together, two very hardworking refugees raised three professional children, bought a house, and enjoyed a simple yet fulfilling life. Vera worked at Casco, Underwood, Bridgeport Metal Goods, and Philips Medical Systems, finally retiring from Norden Systems at the age of 67. As a factory worker, she soldered circuit boards and performed quality control inspections on electronics, enjoying accolades and appreciation along the way for jobs well done. In her free time, Vera loved earmarking recipes and baking cakes, cookies, and sweetbreads which she eagerly shared with all. Deeply pious, she was a member of Holy Cross Church in Fairfield, Sts. Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church in NYC, and St. Patrick’s Church in Bridgeport. At St. Patrick’s School, Vera was famous for her sauerkraut with bacon which she volunteered to bring and serve every week at bingo. Often feisty and opinionated, Vera was also overly generous and entirely devoted to family and good friends. She cooked special Sunday meals for many to enjoy as long as she was able, and brought food and sundries to wherever she was invited. As much as she cooked, she loved to dine out - at Bonanza, Arthur Treacher’s, Lums, Friendly’s, Captain’s, and Red Lobster. Vera enjoyed dressing up, and can surely be remembered by her rosy cheeks, pink lipstick, and the smell of Nina Ricci’s L’air du Temps. Not surprisingly, she enjoyed layaway options at places she liked to frequent - Gimbels, Howland’s, Lafayette Plaza, and the Trumbull Mall, where she walked to often, and where she and Stipe walked nearly every day in retirement. After Stipe’s passing, Vera moved to Monroe. There, she walked to Stop & Shop daily and attended mass at St. Jude on Sundays. Thank you to the many kindhearted people who always offered her rides home or to church and thoughtfully gave her contact information for future use. Though she had a license, Vera never drove. Stipe drove her or she took buses or walked to wherever she could. Ultimately, Vera moved to Teresian Towers in Trumbull. While she was able, she attended mass daily, ate meals in the cafeteria, and enjoyed bingo and other entertainment weekly. Vera lived independently until her passing. Thank you to all who helped her in whatever way during the last two and a half years. Spending time with family or friends daily was truly all she wished for in the last years of her life. Vera is predeceased by her husband, Stipe, and eldest son, Dr. Paul Mikan. She is survived by daughter, Christine Kalakay, and son, Peter Mikan; son-in-law, Walter Kalakay, Jr., daughters-in-law, Claire Mikan and Margaret Mikan; three grandchildren, Erin Mikan Williamson, Maura Mikan Connell, Patty Sanfanandre; their spouses, Blair, Jared, Scott; and nine great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. directly at Holy Cross Church, 750 Tahmore Drive, Fairfield. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Holy Cross Church. For travel directions or to sign her online register, please visit LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.