In Celebration of

Helen Mitrovich

October 12, 1926 - August 31, 2019

Sister to Barbara Brklacich (Joe), and predeceased by siblings Nick Balaban (Margie), “Junior” Balaban and Doris Kern (Tony). Sister-in-law to Isabel Balaban (late "Junior")
Beloved wife of the late Nicholas
Loving Mother of Jerry (Shirley), Linda Friars, Nicholas Jr. (late Ellen)
Proud Grandmother of Christopher (Eva), Matthew (Amanda), Katie Friars (Stephen Patterson), Thomas Friars (Stephanie), Mandy Friars, Nicole Danek (Mike), Nicholas (Kahla), Michelle Carmichael (Bryan), Michael
Positively ecstatic and loving Great Grandmother of Christopher, Zen, Gavin, Sophia, Jackson, Violet, Clara, Kora, Nathan, Finnegan, Ella and Mick ….. and friend to Rocky (Nicholas’s 4-legged companion).

Helen will be remembered as an extraordinary woman that lived a life with a positive attitude and a great sense of humour, treating everyone with compassion and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cancer Society or charity of your choice.

Guestbook

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Matthew Mitrovich (Grandson)

Entered September 4, 2019

For me to speak of people who had an influence on my life, grandma Mitrovich is high on that list. My time spent with her on holidays, birthdays, annual week long stints while my parents travelled for work events, and even a 4-month co-op position that had me living on Drymen Crescent with her, all showcased the incredible person she was. Her kind and fun-loving attitude made her easy to talk to. When she was in a new crowd, she instantly became the life of the party and brightened up the lives of others. I loved hearing about the ‘old country’ where she grew up and the awful boat ride to Canada...as far a I know, she avoided boats ever since.
I think it was a combination of the ‘old country’ experiences and genetics that that made her such a hard-working individual. Nothing seemed too difficult for her. This, combined with a positive attitude to always try something new, had her chopping wood and shovelling snow late into her years. I remember her saying the trick was to just scoop a bit at a time and be patient.
Baking was taken to a new level with grandma Mitrovich. I remember many gatherings with kiflice in piles of hundreds that we couldn’t wait to dig into. She was also incredibly quick witted with zingers ready in waiting. Such as (Security Guard) ”Hello mam, do you have any I.D.” (Grandma) ”My I.D.? ...You’re looking at it.” Or how are you feeling? (Grandma) ”With my hands.”
Her secret to health was sometimes claimed to be attributed to a teaspoon of brandy everyday. Not too much she would say, just a little bit. That was a custom I had to try while we lived together during my co-op. What can I say, it worked!
Grandma taught me to work hard, that you can do anything, take more chances and always try something new. I love you grandma, for all you’ve done and instilled in me.
Matthew

Cindy Russo (Niece)

Entered September 4, 2019 from Mississauga

I have lovely childhood memories of Aunty Helen that I will forever cherish. She had a zest for life and a loving hug and smile for everyone. She will be fondly and lovingly remembered by every person she touched. Rest in Peace Aunty Helen. My love always, Cindy xo