Jelena had a very special way of filling a room and being affectionate towards all around her. She devoted her whole life to taking care of her family and friends. There is no denying that she surrounded her entire life in all that she had and all that she did. Her home was filled with pictures, figurines, miniatures, furnishings, flower arrangements and paintings and books and ALL of the things that made her BAJKA! She had an exquisite way of decorating, crafting and collecting. Most importantly, she welcomed everyone into her home.
She loved having a full house and being with family and friends, music and laughter, talks, prayers and sharing anything from life's challenges to her great innovated recipes that you just had to try if you were there. She loved sharing her food, her heart and her warmth. She loved laughing and making you laugh! If you failed to learn how to treat and welcome others by watching her, you, my friend, were not watching!
She was modest and humble, never judgmental. She spoke of her life with her husband of 50 years, Nikola with love and enthusiasm. It was not always easy and she never misled you to believe that it was but she was grateful for it and would tell you so.
She would sit across that kitchen table, listen to your heavy heart. She was pure and witty in her exchanges and simplistic in her love. She would put a plate in front of you and all the world would be right again. All her love she gave in that one touch, that was unconditional, unwavering and, at times, undeserved. After that she would remind you not to forget to fix your lipstick and chin up.
She thought to always take care of ourselves and each other, appreciate and respect each other and showed us the importance of enjoying the moment, and honoring family and friends. She taught us to laugh, laugh, laugh, love and "bring' em home and feed'em". Please continue to honor her by loving graciously, living earnestly and forgiving easily.
Jelena is mourned by her husband, Nikola Zec, her sister Nada Thompson. Her children with their spouses; daughter Danijela Pope and her husband James Richard Pope "Jimmy"; son Andre Zec and his spouse Crystal Zec; and her daughter Ninoslava McElveen. Her grandchildren; Casey McElveen, Teodora Sarac, Simeona Sarac, Maddux Zec, Mason Zec, Kayla Morgan and Cicilia Dahmers.
Aside, Jelena is survived by brother in law, Ninoslav Zec Bobek, sister in law Irene Zec Bobek, numerous nieces and nephews, many, many extended family and friends.
To honor Jelena's memory, we are holding a celebration of her life at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068 on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:00AM. We invite anyone who knew Jelena to attend and remember her wonderful life. We ask attendees to wear bright colors.
In lieu flowers, memorials in her name, Jelena Zec may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.
