Left us peacefully, after a brief illness, at the Trillium Mississauga Hospital on July 19, in her 91st year. Beloved wife of Miroslav “Fred” Matich for over 63 years. Dearly loved mother of Matt (Angela), Michael and late daughter Elizabeth. Loving grandmother of Mark, Matthew and John. Daughter of Jack Lergessner (deceased) and Edith Riipinen (deceased). She had a deeply close and lifelong friendship with her one sister, Kay Goldfarb (Saul-deceased). Aunt of Jim Goldfarb, Robert Goldfarb (Danielle) and Rebecca Rogerson (Rick). Cousin of Lesley Tissington (Paul), Jan Kieseker (John-deceased), and Jim Lergessner. Loved daughter-in-law of Mate Matich and Anka Klinac (both deceased). Sister-in-law of the late Josephine Kosovich (Bill-deceased), Mary Sucich (Jack-deceased), Sophie (deceased), the late Ivan (Rosaleen), Emeric (deceased), Florence and Elsie Matich.

Helen was born and grew up in Brisbane, Australia. She attended the All Hallows School, excelling in academics and athletics, in particular swimming. Upon graduation, she embarked on a secretarial career, which took her to London, England in 1953 and on to Canada in 1957, working for Trans Canada Airlines. Fred and Helen met in Montreal and got married there in 1961. They settled in Etobicoke, Ontario in 1962. When her children were grown up, she returned to work, and had a long and fulfilling second career chapter as an executive secretary with the Archdiocese of Toronto. Helen relished the adventure of travel. Her voyages included numerous visits to family members and friends in Australia and New Zealand, tracing the roots of her family tree in Europe, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and sightseeing expeditions such as river cruises and train journeys. She served the church in many capacities, notably liturgy of the word and music. She greatly enjoyed reading, theatre and music. For decades, she shared her beautiful singing voice with the world in church choirs and also was a skilled pianist.

Visitation will take place at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 2-4 pm and from 7-9 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3055 Bloor Street West, Etobicoke on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11 am. For those who wish, donations should be made to the charity of your choice.