Marija Miletić Daïl, devoted wife, loving mother, trailblazing professional and a friend to countless individuals, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, just four days after celebrating 48 years of marriage to Sukhdev Daïl.

Her professional life began in her homeland of Croatia as the first woman to earn the position of animator at world-renowned Zagreb Film. Fleeing communist Yugoslavia, she emigrated first to Canada and then settled in the United States, after being personally invited by Bill Hanna to work at Hanna-Barbera Studios. Working at a number of famous animation studios, she rose through the ranks before retiring from Universal Studios as a director and producer.

During her imaginative decades of life, she created several short films as a solo artist, including her award-winning film "Why Not?". Marija was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; she took seriously her responsibility to vote for the good work of her colleagues and thoroughly enjoyed attending the Oscars.

Marija is survived by her beloved husband, Sukhi, daughters Mirna (Brad) and Vera (Dave), sons Mavi and Pixote, grandchildren David (Yoon), Christopher (Malaika), Brina (Kamyl), Dawson, Adric, Cailin (Marcus), Siraj and Mali. There are also many unofficial offspring whom she took under her wing. She would bring home people she met in line at the grocery store because they were alone at Thanksgiving. She delivered her famous palačinka and Turkish coffee to neighbours on countless mornings. Everyone who met her felt enriched after leaving her company. Now she has left our company, but we are all the richer for the years she was with us.