Christina Maria Horvat 
Christina Maria Horvat, 89, of Anna Maria, died Oct. 29.
She was proud of her Paauw family heritage and often shared stories of growing up in Hoorn, Holland, during World War II.
She was adventurous, riding her bike as a girl on errands for her father and then, following the war, staying in hostels as she biked with friends around Europe. Against her parents’ wishes, she traveled to the United States as an au pair in the mid 1950s, when she met and married her husband, Drago Horvat, who had left Slovenia with his family following WWII.
She spoke many languages and worked for Rand McNally publishing company for several years before starting a business.
In 1963, the couple started Horvat’s Flowers and Nursery in Northbrook, Illinois, selling plants alongside their driveway, relying on a coffee can and the honor system.
Their business grew into one of the largest FTD locations in the United States.
She is fondly remembered for her distinct accent as well as her kindness, energy and bright smile that always made people feel special. She provided many memories for people with her beautiful and creative flowers; helping people to celebrate birthdays, weddings, funerals, proms and occasions.
The couple tried their hands at orange groves in Florida, a vineyard in Slovenia, the Anna Maria Motel, which opened in 1998 on the north end of Anna Maria Island and still operates today, as well as farms with grain and cattle in Illinois and Wisconsin.
In her “retirement,” she loved spending time on Anna Maria Island. She was in her element, hosting family and friends, biking around the island, swimming in the bay or at their motel.
She was an avid pianist and frequently spoke of the importance of books and music in her life during the war.
She touched many lives and will be fondly remembered by all that knew her.
Visitation and Mass were planned in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Mrs. Horvat is survived by her children: Paul and wife Dena, Dan and wife Rhonda, Maria, and Alex and wife Laurie; and 12 grandchildren.
Sylvia Louise Marie Manion
Sylvia Louise Marie Manion, 89, a longtime winter resident of Anna Maria, died Nov. 3.
She was born Nov. 27, 1933, in Ottawa, Ontario, the daughter of Alderic “Alec” Beaudry and Ritha Bourbeau.
After graduating from Notre Dame Collegiate, she worked for Bell Canada before diving into her ultimate roles in life, that of mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, community organizer, instinctive social planner and comforting volunteer-clown for sick children in area hospitals, among others.
She was a recipient of the Ottawa-Carleton United Way Community Builder Award in 2008.
Many thanks to numerous friends in Canada and our Anna Maria family for their support over the past few months.
It is with deep sadness that the Manion family announced the passing of their “matriarch.”
Visitation, service and a reception are planned Dec. 3 in Ottawa. Memorial donations may be made to the following charities: National Capital Down Syndrome Association and the John Howard Society of Ottawa.
Mrs. Manion is survived by daughter Laurie and husband Gary Moreau and her sons Ian, Bruce and wife Kathryn Burlton and Douglas; grandchildren Melanie, John, Anne-Marie, Matthew, Rachael, Katelin, Emily, Connor, Colby and Chloe; and great-grandchildren Rowan, Liam, Piper, Kamron and Hudson. She leaves behind her beloved cousin Bruce Bourbeau and his wife Louise, her many nephews and nieces, her 21 godchildren and many, many friends, neighbors and caring admirers.
Jeanne Fay Shirk
Jeanne Fay (Frankenfield) Shirk, 86, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died Oct. 16.
She was born July 14, 1937, in Erwinna, Pennsylvania, and lived most of her life on Anna Maria Island with her beloved husband and soulmate of 50-plus years, the late John F. Shirk.
She lived a full life. She was a huge fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Giants, and was a regular participant in The Islander football pool. She never missed “Jeopardy” and was a fan of several late-night TV hosts. Her healthy curiosity about the world and her community kept her watching the news and reading the newspaper, ready to discuss local, national and world events with everyone.
She was a spectacular baker and famous for her Florida Key lime pie. She also was known for her amazing “green thumb” and the ability to bring any plant back to life. She and John always made time to help others, including putting on puppet shows for children and volunteering at Our Daily Bread.
She will be remembered by family and friends for her easy-going disposition, sense of humor, love of dogs, margaritas, a crush on former President Barack Obama and a passion for politics.
Mrs. Shirk’s life was a blessing to all who knew her and memories of her will be their treasure.
No service is planned.