Kathy Luzahija (Radic) Vidovic

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Baba, great-grandmother, and friend, Kathy Luzahija Vidovic (Radic). Surrounded by love and her family, Kathy passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, in Lethbridge, Alberta, at the age of 97.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters and their families: Nevenka Pritchard (Murray); Kendall Baldwin (Jeff) and their daughters, Berkley and Hadley; Janelle Pritchard (Thomas) and their children, Carter and Maya; Kristina Pritchard (Paul) and their son, Van; and Laren Pritchard (Dustin). She is also survived by her daughter Nada Van Gaal and her sons Scott and Todd; and her daughter Susie Parenteau (Dave) and their children Ryan and Allison. She will also be missed by the family dogs (Ash, Rip, Balto, Remy, Calvin, Rosco) who held a special place in her heart. They loved being around her, knowing that once she started petting them, she could never stop.

Kathy was predeceased by her husband, Pasko Vidovic; her mother, Sime; her father, Simo; brothers, Ante, Petar, and Ivan; and her sister, Ojka. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family members in Croatia, Canada, and beyond.

Though we celebrated her birthday on the 8 of October, Kathy was born on October 5th in Kanica, Yugoslavia,where she grew up surrounded by the sea - fishing, swimming, and tending the family’s olive groves. Seeking a better life for their family, Kathy and Pasko left Yugoslavia and spent three years in Italy before immigrating to Canada on April 1, 1960, with their daughter Nevenka and Kathy’s brother, Petar. They eventually settled in Lethbridge, where Kathy worked a variety of jobs while helping build a life and future for her family.

Anyone who knew Kathy knew she had an amazing sense of humor and a laugh that could make everyone around her laugh right along with her. She loved telling jokes, making people smile, and watching I Love Lucy, Three’s Company, Mrs. Doubtfire and Home Alone until tears streamed down her face from laughing so hard.

Kathy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time in the sunshine of her backyard, at the family cabins, and on road trips with her family. Everyone knew not to call when The Price is Right was on, and if you stopped by during it, you were going to be joining her on the couch and likely wouldn’t get a word in until it was over. She was an active member of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization, where she enjoyed carpet curling and bowling. While she truly loved participating for the laughter and companionship, her competitive spirit always shone through, she loved to win.

A devoted Catholic throughout her life, Kathy found great comfort and strength in her faith. She was deeply saddened when St. Patrick's Church closed its doors, having been a faithful parishioner and active member of the church community for many years.

Kathy not only built a loving family, but she was also an exceptionally talented gardener. Her beautiful gardens, overflowing with fruits and vegetables, were so impressive that they were featured in magazines. If you were fortunate enough to visit her home, you were guaranteed a tour of the garden, an offer of food, and something to take home. If you declined or didn't eat enough, you were likely to hear her affectionately tell you, “You’re too skinny, eat more". Anyone who had experienced her cooking or baking before knew that turning it down was not something you did lightly, as she was the most exceptional baker and cook.

She was also the kind of neighbor everyone hopes to have. Kathy generously shared her gardening knowledge with those around her, teaching many of her neighbors how to grow and care for their own gardens. More than once, she could be found peeking over the fence to make sure they were watering properly and keeping up with the weeding.

Throughout her life, Kathy often spoke of how blessed she was; not because of material things, but because she was surrounded by a loving family and good, positive people. Her family knows that they were the truly blessed ones. As a mother, Baba, and great-grandmother, she devoted herself to caring for those around her and brought joy, laughter, and love to every life she touched, even in her final moments.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends may meet with the family at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703—13 St. N Lethbridge on Friday June 12th. The viewing will begin at 11:30 followed by a celebration of life from 12pm-12:45pm with a reception to follow from 1pm to 3pm. The family kindly asks that guests wear colors and avoid black, as Kathy would have preferred

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honour Kathy’s memory by carrying forward her kindness in your own way by helping a neighbour, supporting a favourite charity, or planting a flower or tree in her honour.