In Loving Memory of Gina Elia Velcic
December 23, 1934 – July 5, 2025

Gina Velcic of Halfmoon Bay, BC, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 5, 2025, at Sechelt Hospital, surrounded by her loving sons, at the golden age of 90.

Born December 23, 1934, in the small village of Strmac, Italy, Gina was the daughter of an Italian police officer and a Croatian mother. At the tender age of seven, during the Second World War, she tragically lost her parents and baby sister. Orphaned, and separated from her brother Romano, she was lovingly adopted and raised by her maternal aunt in the town of Brseč, where she worked as a shepherd on the family farm and was deeply involved in the Catholic Church.

In her late teens, Gina met Karlo Velcic, the love of her life. In the fall of 1956, Karlo made a courageous escape from communist Yugoslavia, crossing the Adriatic Sea in a fishing boat. Three years later, on a Christmas Eve morning, he and Gina were reunited in Calgary, a joyful and long-awaited moment. They married on January 23, 1960, beginning a life defined by love, resilience, and deep devotion. Together, they built a home and raised three sons, shaping a family rooted in strength and compassion.

In 1969, on a rainy night, Gina and Karlo discovered Coopers Green in Halfmoon Bay, BC. Captivated by its beauty and reminiscent of their homeland, they eventually made it their permanent home in July of 1987.  Gina was devoted to her family and community. She took immense pride in her role as a mother and wife, always ensuring warm meals were on the table and that every visitor was welcomed with food, wine, and open arms. Together, Gina and Karlo were active in the Welcome Beach Community Association, creating a legacy of hospitality and inclusion.

Gina is survived by her sons: Carlo,  Boris and his wife Colleen, Daniel and his wife Suzanne. She was a loving grandmother to Amanda, Nicole, Michael, and Alexa, and a proud great-grandmother to Amara, Vera, Elianna, Alexandra, and Jacob. Also dear to her heart was her adopted family in Halfmoon Bay, whose friendship and support meant the world to her.

The Velcic family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at Sechelt Hospital, the compassionate first responders, and especially Dr. Bryson for his exceptional care and friendship throughout the years.

Gina’s passing was marked by something truly special. On the morning she left us, the church bells of St. George’s Church in Brseč rang in her honor, a final farewell from the town that raised her. A poetic, almost sacred, gesture that reminds us just how far her love reached.

Gina’s warmth, grace, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Catholic Prayers followed by Visitation Wednesday July 9, 2025 at 7:00pm, (Holy Family Catholic Church) Mass Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10:00am, Burial - Seaview Cemetery

***IN LIEU OF FLOWERS** Donations graciously accepted to the SECHELT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION  ~ sechelthospitalfoundation.org