Obituary of Veneta Elieff

Veneta ELIEFF-FILIPOVIC It is with great sorrow in my heart that I announce the passing of my loving wife, Veneta on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Orillia. Veneta was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1912 where she was raised in a home where the qualities of respect, generosity and education were prominent influences. In the 1970's Veneta founded and hosted Toronto's first Bulgarian radio and television programs that were enjoyed by many. We met in our mid-years at which time she was recently widowed. From the moment that we knew we were to be together, except for two weeks when I attended my father's funeral in Serbia, we were never separated. Together, we both continued in our roles of holding true to the principals that we believed in. She always said that we were the best team. Her blue eyes radiated wherever she moved and whatever she touched. Never having had children of her own, she dedicated her life's work toward preserving the culture of younger generations. For many years she was an honorary donor to Sunnybrook Hospital and the Toronto General Hospital, and strongly supported the Orillia Hospital Soldier's Memorial Foundation. In 1986 we built our dream home on Lake Simcoe. We spent many years embracing its peaceful beauty and tranquility, and living out our years together sharing our interests and dreams. In the earlier years of our marriage we attended many social gatherings but later on lived just for each other. With neither of us holding a great interest in the culinary arts, our favorite restaurants had a table reserved every evening for the two of us. Veneta was a first-class skier and an avid tennis player, and during our time together she kept me moving as she was always on a mission to stay active. After becoming gravely ill in 2002 at the age of 90 she underwent a heart operation, from which she recovered well and got right back to her renewed life! Veneta, being driven in her personal missions, established the "Veneta and James Elieff" fund in 1995 to provide scholarships for students of Bulgarian heritage in order for them to be able to continue with their education and research in Toronto. In 2003 and in 2005 Veneta received a notable award from her native country - The Order of Ivan Vazov; and, a Canadian award The Golden Laurel, for the exceptional contribution to the cultural development of both countries. In 2014 she received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto for her outstanding service, dedication and generosity to its students, faculty and alumni. Over the years Veneta received numerous other awards and acknowledgements from many areas for her noble and humane contributions to various charities. Veneta's adventurous spirit made our European summer travels exciting and we cherished our time spent in Key Largo, Florida every winter. Being the last surviving member of her immediate family, Veneta will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews and many friends in both Canada and her homeland. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10th. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Monday, August 11th at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. Good bye "Lovey". I will miss you dearly.