It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bisa Vasiljev at the age of 93. Bisa lived in Guelph for three decades before moving to Toronto to be close to her two sons, Zivko (Sladjana) and Kosta (Yun). Her daughter Helen (Tom) lives in Chatham. Bisa died peacefully at the Heritage Nursing Home in Toronto on August 13, 2024 in the presence of family where she was lovingly held during her last moments. Bisa is predeceased by her ex-husband Milan, with whom she maintained a friendship until his death in 2016. She is also predeceased by her brothers in Serbia, Blagoje (2020) and Ivan (2014). Her surviving younger brother Slavko (Zora) lives in Windsor and grieves her passing.
Bisa was a devout Christian, devoted mother, and loving grandmother of four. Bisa was kind to everyone she came across and liked to cook delicious and healthy dishes for visitors to her Guelph apartment. Her most obvious traits were honesty and sincerity and she was always ready to provide an empathetic ear, sensible advice or a warm meal to anyone in need. One of her favorite outings was to Stone Road Mall in Guelph for coffee at Tim Hortons – where she would engage with family members or friends in long, interesting conversations. Bisa was a thoughtful and intelligent person who was well-versed in various subjects. She had incisive insights into society and the world at large.
Bisa’s children would like to thank all those who cared for her since 2018, especially the nuns and staff at St. Bernard’s Residence and the people at Heritage Nursing Home. To the many nurses and helpers, we offer our gratitude and appreciation. Caring for the elderly is a calling. Happily, the care that Bisa gave to others throughout her life was returned to her in her final years.
Bisa’s deep faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour gave her the comfort to endure difficulties throughout her life, including the tragic death of two daughters, Mira and Vukica, in infancy. And she was happy to share her faith with love and compassion. She will always be in our hearts, remembered for her lovely, humble personality, sweet disposition and positive attitude. She is dearly missed by her children and their spouses, brother, grandkids Matthew, Elliot, Marko and Stefan and a long list of friends. Rest in peace, our dear Bisa!
There will be a gathering of family and friends to honour and celebrate her life on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the Brombal Funeral Home, One Delhi Street in Guelph from 10:00a.m. -11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held at the funeral home at the conclusion of the service. All are welcome. Interment will occur at Windsor Grove Cemetery.