It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tomo Jelić, who left us peacefully in his 87th year on February 8th, 2025.

Tomo was born just before the onset of World War 2 in Brinje, Lika Croatia, one of four sons of Anton and Lucija Jelić and also had a half-brother. Tomo’s father passed away in his infancy and the young boys were separated from their mother, ultimately being raised by close family members. Tomo initially escaped first to Italy and then to Germany from Communist Yugoslavia as a teenager, finally immigrating to Canada in 1960 in search of a better life. He married his wife of 60 years Agata (nee Đunđuš) in 1965 and built a loving family having three children Anton (Annie), Mario (Michelle) and Ivanka, settling in Mississauga.

He was very proud of the life he built and especially his children and equally proud of his grandchildren Stephanie (Ante), Daniel (Jordan), Madeline, Lucy, Juliet as well as his three great-grandchildren Niko, Luka and Maia.

Tomo spent his golden years tending to his vegetable garden and his apple tree, cooking, and reminiscing with his beloved older brother and best-friend Vlado while also enjoying quality time with family and friends. He was also a proud and active member of the Croatian-Canadian community in Mississauga including Croatian Martyr’s Catholic Parish.

Tomo is pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers Mila (Katica), Josa (Maša), Stipe in Croatia and Vlado (Emily) in Canada and is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews in Croatia and Canada.

A special thank you to the Trillium Palliative Care team, especially Dr. Gilchrist and all the people who assisted, allowing Tomo to remain in the comfort of his home until close to his passing.

Our family would also like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the Dorothy Ley Hospice team for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice are greatly appreciated.

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