Marija Farič was born in Ajax, Ontario.  Her father, Anton Faric, was born in Prekmurje, Slovenia. At 17 years old, Anton fled to Austria and worked in displaced person's camp until he was able to get passage as a refugee to Canada. He worked on a farm outside London, Ontario, on a two year contract before settling in Toronto. Anton met his future wife, Pamela Jean, at a Catholic Church dance in the Beaches while she was on a vacation from England. They married in 1956 and had three children. Marija also has always had a close relationship with her family in Toronto and Cleveland, as well as Slovenia. She married Paul in 1984 and they have three children: Christine, Michael and Nicholas. Maria attended the University of Toronto and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History (1982), followed by a Certificate of Law Clerk from Fanshawe College (1983). She completed the Institute of Law Clerk of Ontario (ILCO) Provincial Associate exams (4) in 1987.  

Marija worked at a major Bay Street law firm for many years practicing as a Corporate Law Clerk. She was the Co-Op Co-Ordinator of the Law Clerks Program and was on the Education Committee of ILCO where she co-ordinated the Associate Provincial exams with Durham, Humber, and Seneca colleges. She later became an ESL teacher (OCELT) and has taught ESL and LINC with the Jewish Immigration Aids Centre Schools for the past 10 years. She has volunteered in Gifted and French Immersion primary school classes, Recess Games Committee for Grades 1-3, Literary and ESL Class Volunteer in High School, Conversational English Groups and English Individual tutoring, was a Beaver and Scout Leader, TOEFL (TDSB), ESL refugee volunteer, was on the Toronto Junior Woman's League Fundraising Committee and other community committees for 5 years and is currently on the Cystic Fibrosis Gala Fundraising Committee. Marija is also a Wedding Officiant. She was elected to the CSHS committee in January, 2020.