Vladimira Ludmilla Hlavačkova Jolma's Obituary
Vladimira “Mira” Jolma was born in Prague, Czečhloslovakia on April 5, 1936 on the eve of WWII to Vladimir and Hilda Hlavaček. In spite of the turmoil around them, her parents provided a magical childhood for her and her two older sisters, Alena and Daria. She often told stories of growing up in her beautiful “Praha” with trips to their summer villa in Senohraby where her family would spend long days playing in the country and swimming in the Sazava River.
Mira excelled in school, in science in particular, and followed her father into the field of medicine. She attended Charles University in Prague where she received her doctoral degree. She came to the United States on a research fellowship in 1964 where she had many publications in the field of applied pathology at the University of Miami. She then completed her residency training in pathology at Bellevue Hospital In New York City. During her residency, she met her husband, Peter Jolma, also a pathology resident at Bellevue. Her daughter, Katie, was born in December of 1968.
The family moved briefly to Virginia where Mira practiced medicine as Peter completed his military obligation as a Naval pathologist. The family then relocated to Yardley, Pennsylvania where Mira and Peter practiced for several years. The family then headed west in search of sunshine and settled in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where Mira worked at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. Mira and Peter divorced amicably during this time, maintaining friendship over the years.
After 2005, Mira worked as a contract pathologist for Sonora Quest Laboratories and as a consultant for the Indian Health Service Medical Centers in Northern Arizona. Working as a consultant allowed her a flexible schedule so that she could pursue her love of travel.
Mira has had many adventures. She has been to Alaska and has hiked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and as well as to Mount Everest Base Camp, traveled to New Zealand, the Galapagos, and the Inca Trail. The only continent she never ventured to was Antarctica. Most of her trips involved long hikes, and the more strenuous, the better. She was fluent in five languages. She loved to be outside, to be in the mountains, and to experience new cultures. Her favorite saying, however, was “east, west, home is best.”
She was also an accomplished skier, enjoying the challenge of the most difficult black diamonds. It was often hard for her family to keep up with her! She had “perfect form” that she was very proud of. She never fell. Her favorite place to ski was Telluride, and her family had many memorable visits to the beautiful mountains there.
Mira was an excellent and competitive tennis player. She played in leagues wherever she lived and continued to play into her 80’s. She found joy in trying new hobbies such as photography, dance, pottery, and billiards. She excelled in everything she tried.
Mira adored her grandson, Ben, with whom she had a very special relationship. She had a tremendous sense of responsibility and was a devoted mother and grandmother.
Mira is preceded in death by her parents and sister Alena Abtin. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Jolma, son-in-law Paul Carbone, grandson Benjamin Carbone, sister Daria Durembergova, Connie and Kody Carbone, and many cousins and friends.
Autumn was Mira’s favorite time of year, and she enjoyed a trip up Millcreek Canyon to see the beautiful colors and listen to the creek a week before passing. She loved sitting in the sunshine surrounded by nature, listening to the sound of crashing waves and taking long walks on the beach at La Jolla Shores. She spent many a holiday in Palm Desert celebrating with family and friends.
Mira lived on her own terms, very independently and very successfully. She was incredibly generous. Throughout her life, Mira took risks and was always trying something new (hiking to the top of mountains, visiting the corners of the earth, learning the harmonica, enjoying a good beer while playing pool in a dive bar). She had the most adventurous spirit! Mira remained active until developing dementia in her final years. She somehow maintained the ability to toggle back and forth between English and Czech until her final days, having daily phone conversations with her sister, Daria, which gave her great joy. She reminds us all to follow our passions and push our limits. She died peacefully on a beautiful Fall Day, surrounded by her family. We will miss her sparkling blue eyes, her laugh, and her mischievous sense of humor.
Mira’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Judie with Home Instead in San Diego who provided her with care and companionship before she moved to Salt Lake City. Infinite thanks to Jamie with Inspiration Hospice, Aubrey Kruisman, and the incredible staff at Spring Gardens Holladay who provided so much comfort for Mira and her family during her final years. We will always consider Jamie and everyone at Spring Gardens as part of our family.
The family will be holding a memorial service in Prague, Czech Republic next summer. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice, and Mira would want you to take that trip you’ve been contemplating.
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