Ankica Vasiljevic was born in June 1948 in Croatia. Her nickname, Ana, resonates with those who know her story. Ana’s life story is woven together with threads of determination, resilience, and faith.

1970 Ana and her husband found themselves in an unfamiliar situation as they arrived in Canada. They had two suitcases and no family to support them. She had left her oldest daughter with Ana’s mother back in Croatia, a painful sacrifice that still tugged at her heart. The thought of going to Canada left a distasteful feeling. Their decision to move to Canada was made after her son died six weeks after birth.

Settling in a one-bedroom apartment with a friend who slept in the living room to accommodate Ana and her husband, they embarked on starting anew. The language barrier and disappointment of moving to Canada made it difficult for Ana. However, a chance encounter changed everything. Ana overheard a man say “sit” in her language, and her husband immediately approached him, explaining their predicament. Her friend intervened and arranged for Ana and her husband to attend English language classes, a crucial lifeline in a sea of unfamiliarity. They studied English for six months, from May to October 1971. Ana joined the workforce three days later, determined to make the most of her new opportunities. Ana began working in an engineering electronics company, where she was given a chance despite not being initially qualified. Over two years after coming to Canada, Ana and her husband were blessed with another daughter. Ana continued to explore the opportunities Canada had to offer, but not a day went by that she didn’t miss her family and life in Croatia.

On May 11, 1994, a few days short of one year after her husband passed away, Ana started her career at Shepherd Village. Ana juggled two jobs for over 20 years, working from seven in the morning until midnight. Having experienced years of hardship living in a new country and the pain of losing loved ones, Ana had a feeling that Shepherd Village would be a safe and peaceful place for her. Ana is grateful that God allowed her to work at Shepherd Village.

In December 2005, Ana hurried to see a doctor as she found a lump on her breast. They ran some tests, including mammograms and an ultrasound. Comforting words from the nurses couldn’t drown out her rising fear and anxiety. Ana knew in her gut that something was amiss.

As the doctor gathered stacks of documents on his desk, he delivered a verdict that would haunt her. He urged her to cherish the upcoming Christmas, for it would be her last. In that unbearable moment, Ana’s defiance rose, and she said, “Piss on you, you’re not God,” as she stormed out.

The journey home was a blur, and as the walls of her reality crept in, the weight of her diagnosis began to settle in. Ana fell to her knees in prayer, “Lord, if you ask me if I want to die, the answer is no. But if this is your will, help me accept it. I’m not begging you to prolong my life. I’m not begging you to take my pain away. But give me the strength like you gave your son on the cross.”

In 2006, Ana was diagnosed with Stage 3 aggressive breast cancer. She underwent months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Three weeks post-surgery, she came back to work at Shepherd Village. Her colleagues were the beacon of unwavering strength and support that she needed when she was told that she only had six months to live.

Three years later, Ana decided to take a leave of absence to take care of her ailing mother in Croatia. Tragically, one week later, her mother passed away at the age of 84. Ana’s sister-in-law conveyed the heartbreaking news to her colleagues at Shepherd Village. Over the phone, her supervisor comforted Ana as she cried out that she no longer had her mother and father with her. Her supervisor told Ana to come home and that Shepherd Village was not just a workplace; it was her family.

In 2017, the cruel hand of fate struck once again, this time with a diagnosis of Stage 1 breast cancer. She underwent surgery in October 2017, followed by five years of medication. The support she received while dealing with cancer (twice!) was unwavering. Ana continues to champion the age-old wisdom of treating others the way she wants to be treated.

If Ana could turn back the pages of her life, she would urge her younger self to heed her mother’s advice to finish her education and not marry too young. Ana recognizes that if she had followed that guidance, she might have been better prepared to care for her children and herself.

Having been married to her alcoholic husband, Ana’s life presented its share of trials. But Ana’s resilience carried her through those turbulent years. While the past can’t be rewritten, she is aware of her influence on the present and future. Ana’s tenacity and dedication shine through in her work. She loves working with people and listening to people’s stories. She works tirelessly to make a difference, aspiring to be remembered not for the trials she endured but for the good she shows in the world.

Nearly three decades have passed since Ana’s journey at Shepherd Village began, and now, you will find her in the comforting halls of Shepherd Lodge or perhaps at the café, savouring a warm drink with the friends she’s cultivated along the way. Her life’s past may not have been smooth, but she finds gratitude in each precious day she’s granted. Ana’s eldest daughter lives in Luxemburg today, happily married with three children. This October would be seven years since Ana’s been cancer-free.

After reading Ana’s story, I hope you are reminded to embrace life one day at a time, just as she does. In Ana’s words, “Lord gave me another chance at life. I will enjoy it” ~ Ankica Vasiljevic, 2023.