Ilona Kovarik (nee Borutova)
September 25, 1957 - January 12, 2026
Funeral Details: A funeral mass will be held at Guardian Angels Parish in Orillia on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11a.m.
Died peacefully in hospital in Newmarket, Ontario, after a sudden battle with cancer. Survived by her children, Jane Kovarikova (Jeffrey Roode) and Daniel Kovarik (Fhria Kovarik nee Punzalan) and grandchildren, Lincoln and Isabelle Kovarik. Also survived by extended family and friends. Predeceased by her mother, Marketa Boruta (nee Greta Rozena Hurcikova) d. November 28, 2005 and her father Evzen Boruta d. May 18, 2021.
Ilona was born in Podborany, Czechoslovakia and sought freedom and a better life as a political émigré to Canada in November 1979. Bravery, struggle and tragedy defined her life, but she succeeded in ensuring future generations had the opportunity to thrive.
Ilona was loving and deeply generous. As a creative soul, she loved music, culture and especially painting. Some of her strongest qualities included her sense of humour, stoicism and pragmatism.
Special thanks to Out of the Cold in Bradford, Ontario for supporting Ilona in her late years, and doctors Katie Mulhern and Michael Liauw for their care and ensuring she passed according to her wishes with dignity.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Out of the Cold Bradford directly through https://wow-living.ca/donate/donate
Bill Walker
Posted on: Tuesday, January 13, 2026Dear Jane & Jeffrey and family,
May it help to know friends are thinking of you.
With condolence,
Bill Walker
Holly
Posted on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026My condolences she was a lovely lady she will be very missed. Holly
Tony and Linda Caron
Posted on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026Our sincerest condolences to Jane, Danny and family. llona always loved her family. Our deepest sympathy for your lost
Tony & Linda
Meaghan & Chris
Posted on: Wednesday, January 14, 2026Our sincerest condolences to Jane & Daniel & their families during this difficult time.
Christianne Fex
Posted on: Thursday, January 15, 2026Dearest Danny, Jane and loved ones, Ilona was my friend from Out of Cold Cafe. I am so sorry for your loss. She loved you both so much and was very proud of all you had both accomplished. She was confident that your futures were bright with your chosen loves. She so loved Lincoln and Isabelle ❤️ I so enjoyed our outings together; she could be silly and she would laugh heartily! I will miss her. May this sweet soul rest in peace 💕
Josh Isley
Posted on: Thursday, January 15, 2026Jane, Danny, and family, please accept my deepest condolences. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort and peace as you remember her life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nadia and Keith
Posted on: Friday, January 16, 2026Jane, Dan and family, we are deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful and beloved mom. She was truly special, and she will always be remembered with love. Sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences.
Peter Biffis
Posted on: Friday, January 16, 2026To : Jane , Daniel and family. My heartfelt condolences to all on the loss of your mom . Sending prayers and strength during this difficult time.
Peter
Mona Sauriol
Posted on: Saturday, January 17, 2026Oh Jane, Peter and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom!!
Sending condolences to you and your family during this very difficult time😥