Smiljka Jakovljević

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Smiljka Jakovljević on Friday, March 28th, 2025, after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer. Smiljka passed away peacefully at the University of Alberta hospital, surrounded by her immediate family.

Smiljka will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Gorana; her son, Goran (Adina); her grandchildren, Luka and Teodora, and families Jevdjević, Jelić, Mrkajić, Milicić, Jovanović and other relatives and friends. Smiljka was predeceased by her mother, Koviljka.

Smiljka was born in Sarajevo on August 7, 1956. As a young woman, she pursued her love of music, and graduated with a degree in Music History from the University of Sarajevo. Smiljka married Dragan Jakovljević in Sarajevo on September 22, 1979, and welomed their children, Goran and Gorana, a year later. Smiljka was a music professor in Yugoslavia until 1990, when she and her family emigrated to Canada and settled in Edmonton, Alberta.

Smiljka was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and friends, cooking for loved ones, spending time in her garden, and playing boardgames. She also enjoyed watching tennis and curling, and sharing her love of these sports with her grandchildren. Her absence will be felt deeply by those who loved and knew her.

The family would like to thank the Cross Cancer Institute, and in particular Dr. Michael Chu and Allan William Black, for their care, compassion, and support during the last years of Smiljka's life.

A private family funeral is scheduled for 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 at Hainstock’s Funeral Home and Crematorium (9810 34 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6L1) in Edmonton, Alberta. Father Vidović (of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church) will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Smiljka’s name to the Cross Cancer Institute of Alberta.