In Celebration of

Helen Lorraine Matich

September 29, 1933 -  July 19, 2024

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.

Guestbook 

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Rev.Fr. John Vetere (Friend)

Entered July 25, 2024 from Toronto

My condolences to Fred and the boys on the passing of Helen. She was always such a dedicated reader, learner, volunteer and devout lady. The parish and local community will miss her talents and generous spirit. May she rest in her Creator’s eternal presence. Requiescat in pace. Rev. John Vetere

Dr. Ed and Mrs Stella Rzadki (Friends and Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

Entered July 26, 2024 from Etobicoke

To Fred and Family. Our sincere heartfelt condolences. Helen was always pleasant, easy to converse with and great to travel with. Our most memorable Equestrian Order trip was to the Holy Land. Memorable because we thought we lost Fred. Fred, you were not lost at all but were exploring and back on our bus before all of us. Helen expressed no fear or anxiety. She knew Fred better than any of us.
Helen, may you rest in peace in the Heavenly Jerusalem singing Hallelujah with the Cherubim and Seraphim. Ed and Stella

Jan Kieseker (Cousin)

Entered July 26, 2024 from Brisbane Australia

Fred,
Just a note to you, and the family to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.I have spoken to Kay also.💕

Margaret & Eric Griffin (friend)

Entered July 26, 2024 from Dundas, ON

Our heartfelt condolences to Fred and the family. One of my first jobs was babysitting for Helen. I appreciated so much her trusting me with her children. I enjoyed singing with her at the choir at St Gregory's. She became a role model for me as a hostess and to this day I measure my performance against that very high standard. Helen was the mother of my beloved friend Lizzie and never failed to welcome us into her home when we were in Toronto. She has been part of our lives for such a long time. She will be greatly missed.

Bill and Marlene Connacher (Friends)

Entered July 27, 2024 from St Catharines Ont.

We are sad to see the passing of Helen. Many thoughtful times at Bible study were spent with Helen.

Bill and Marlene

Photos 

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