ZAKNICH Franica

ZAKNICH (Franica):

Franica Zaknich (Musa)

Franica Separovic was born in Vela Luka, Croatia on the 20th of May 1934. Her father was Dragomir and her mother was Jova. Her husband Nikola and she married on 10th of June 1951 in Jelsa on the island of Hvar (Pharos). She is survived by her son Tonko born in Vela Luka and daughter Iris born in Australia.

She was very much a traditional homemaker but she also performed various paid jobs ranging from house cleaning, kitchen work, crayfish processing to market garden worker, not to forget helping her husband Nikola build commercial boats in our backyard. However she is most remembered for her exquisite knitting and needlework for which she had a supernatural affinity and generously taught to any that were interested. Although she only had 6 months schooling she taught other family members to do arithmetic, read and write. Being essentially self-taught, I would estimate that she had a very high intelligence which was not fully recognised due to her lack of formal training and opportunity and because of the onset of WWII during which they all suffered the greatest of traumas on their otherwise idilic island home.

She departed her beloved Croatia, then a part of Communist Yugoslavia, to emigrate to Australia in the mid 1950’s. While waiting in an Italian refugee camp for 18 months the family including Nikola and Tonko attained sponsorship from Nikola’s uncle Mante Randonich (his mother’s brother) to arrive in Australia on the 14th of May 1957. Her first and last address was in Fothergill Street Fremantle.

Mum had a very keen sense of fairness and decency in all aspects of life but could not tolerate perceived malice and insincerity. She would always amply repay any kindness or generosity that was shown to her or her family. There was a warm friendliness and sincerity in her character that people would immediately feel and respond to. For those that were lucky enough to experience it she exhibited a deliciously wicked sense of humour which had her and her victims rolling in the aisles. Her love for her children was absolute and unshakable. Another outstanding quality she had was her photographic memory for everything in her life including where she put the smallest of things going back months or even years and details of extended family and friends from the old country from times of yore. She just never forgot anything, which routinely came back to bite us.

Unfortunately she had suffered a progressing muscle disease that slowly robbed her of her mobility and independence that subsequently contributed to the build up of multiple medical problems over the past 20 years. The last 3 years were exceptionally bad as she was bedridden over that time after falling backwards down the stairs. But to say she toughed it out would be a gross understatement. The pain and discomfort she suffered was unbelievable. Her grit and determination to battle on was remarkable and was the only explanation for her surviving so long, other than her wish to stay alive for the sake of her children. Once she realised that she was driving on just a whiff of petrol fumes she fully accepted it and quickly and quietly fell into a deep peaceful sleep before she died at 1:30am on the 28th of April 2022. May she now have a well deserved eternal rest, for she was previously always industrious and active doing all that needed to be done for everyone in her life.

People will especially remember her for her catering and entertainment of people that came to the house and her faultless generosity and wisdom. I believe people will also remember her for how she would always be immaculately dressed and presented whenever she left the house, even to just go shopping. She was unquestionable a very hansom woman and looked remarkably good to the very end.

She will be sorely missed for the very straight forward and honest way in which she dealt with all the people that have crossed her path and for that very special light of character that shone from her soul. She absolutely did not want any fuss or ceremony over her passing so I hope she will find it in her kind heart to forgive me for the simple graveside goodbye, which will hopefully serve to provide some small comfort for those of us that need it. On a more personal note she always supported me, her son, in any and every endeavour that I undertook. Without her steadfast help during the most critical parts of my life I absolutely would not have been able to achieve all that I have, help which could never be adequately expressed nor be repaid. Words can not express how much I miss her most dearly, but she will always live in my spirit and consciousness and be with me in all that I do and wherever I am. 

Tara Ma, Tonko.

ZAKNICH (Franica):

Such a brave soul till the end. With such sadness in her life brought up in troubled times she still kept her own. Finally no more pain and finally can Rest In Peace. You were unique and achieved so much dispute so many challenges. Tony and I will always be grateful for all the love and your support. 

ZAKNICH (FRANICA)

Our deepest love and sympathy to Tonko and Iris.

Tabain family.

ZAKNICH (FRANICA)

Our deepest condolences to Tonko and Iris.

Pocivaj u Miru. Gavranic family.