Helen Jusic

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Helen (Jelica) Jusic, who left us unexpectedly on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 89, after sharing what would be her final Christmas dinner with family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teta, ujna, and dear friend whose kindness touched all who knew her.

Helen was born June 16, 1936, in Kotoriba, Međimurje, Croatia, one of thirteen children born to Stjepan and Ana Matjanec (Skoda). She fled the former Yugoslavia in her early years to build a better life in Canada, where she met and married her husband, Nezir Jusic.

She is survived by her daughter Ferida Tinke; grandson Jeffery Tinke (Lauren); and her beloved great-grandsons Jacob and Jeremy Tinke. She is also survived by her sister Franciska Eres and nephew Tibor Eres; nephews Steven Kusen and John (Carrie) Kusen all of Calgary; brother Pista Matjanec (Ljubica) and family in Austria; Tonci Matjanec (Jadranka) of Kotoriba; nephews Charlie (Mary) Matjanec of Hamilton and Steve (Joanne) Matjanec of Ottawa; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Canada, Croatia, and Bosnia.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Nezir Jusic and many brothers and sisters.

Helen’s love was gentle, patient, and constant, and she gave it freely to her family and to all who needed it. With a twinkle in her eye, a warm smile on her face, and always a joke to share, time spent with Helen left you with a sense of comfort and joy. She was a beacon of light to everyone she encountered, sharing her love selflessly through kind words, air hugs, warm embraces, or a blown kiss. She had a rare gift for making others feel truly seen and valued.

Known for her warm smile, sense of humor, and loving spirit, Helen made everyone feel seen and valued. Her faith in God guided her life and was reflected in her kindness, patience, and generosity.

Though deeply missed, we find comfort knowing she is now in God’s loving care, and her legacy of love and faith will live on.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke foundation, or to a charity of one’s choice in Helen’s (Jelica’s) memory.

A funeral service will be held at Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium, located at 3220 4 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M3A5, Canada. The service is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

For those unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed. The service can be accessed using the "Join Livestream" button below on this webpage.