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From Rekha Hemrajani
I knew Zeljka from her days at Credit Suisse First Boston, when she would commiserate with me and another colleague Shu Tung
about how she disliked investment banking. I remember her anguish through the days of her divorce from her husband around
1998 who was at Booz Allen I believe. I remember her dog, who only spoke Croatian so needed a Croatian speaking dog-walker.
I remember she visited me in California when I had my first son. I also remember attending our common friend Shu Tung’s
wedding in New York at which Zeljka was beautiful, radiant and fun to be with. We used to meet for dinner occasionally when
I visited New York , and could see how she was in her element as a venture capitalist. I am so glad to hear that she had met
someone she loved and had been with him for a number of years before the accident. My deep condolences to Zeljka’s parents
– I can only imagine how hard this is on them – Zeljka talked with such affection about both her parents…
From ANA ARHANIC
Please accept my apology for this belated
acknowledgement, but I have recently returned from Zagreb and have only
just seen this tribute web page for Zeljka.
I am Zeljka’s aunt (sister of her father) and I live in Toronto. I cannot express how unbearable and ravaging this tragedy
has been for the family when all was in a joyous preparation for Zeljka’s visit to Zagreb. In her family home everything
was coloured by the expectation of her arrival from America. There were hopes that Zeljka
would be happy to notice that her father, my brother, is feeling better; there were discussions about which delicacies would
be prepared for her, and how she would spend her stay in Croatia, because Zeljka was always on the move and ready for action.
The latter attitude helps
explain her constant involvement in so many things, her successful and rewarding life. She notwithstanding, had always found
time for her family, she was always in touch and created opportunities for a visit. Her concern for her parents prompted almost
daily telephone calls; she
had a deep emotional bond above all for her ailing father. Zeljka provided him the latest up-to-date care in North America
and, after, she succeeded in overcoming all odds at making his return to Zagreb possible. An indescribable and immense sorrow
has descended on all in her ancestral home in Zagreb. I would like to express my immense
gratitude, in the name of my family, to all of you who have so many beautiful memories of my niece whom we all deeply loved
and were so proud of.
From DIANA (LARSON) TESDELL
Zeljka was an extraordinary person. I know I am not alone in feeling that her loss has left a hole in the world. That she
was loved by so many is testament to her warm and loving spirit, her talent for making people happy, her quick wit and piercing
intelligence, and the infectious love of life that shone in that radiant smile of hers.
She was a big part of my life for seventeen years, woven indelibly through many of my happiest memories. She was also a pillar
of strength during the hardest time in my life, helping me survive it and supporting me with instinctive generosity and unfailing
tact, making time to reach out no matter how busy she was.
The last time I saw Zeljka, she was joyous and beautiful. She graced my wedding with her smile and her love. She beamed for
the photographs. She delivered a speech with ease, wit, and charm. She held my four-year-old daughter in her arms and danced
with her. I'll hold in my heart forever the memory of her like that – dancing, laughing, lighting up the room. I miss
you so much, Zeljka.
From SAGRA MACEIRA DE ROSEN
I just received your email about the website for Zeljka and could not help to burst into tears... We are so devatated and
incredibly sad... Zeljka was one of my husband's Ian best friends and she became one of my very close friends as well ( he
always complains that I "steal" all his girlfriends...!)... I would always joke that if something happened to me I wanted
him to marry her...!
She was really more than a friend...she was family for us...in the last year especially, Zeljka spent a lot of time with us
in London, as she was here one week every month and always stayed at home...in fact she was supposed to be staying with us
this week on her way to Croatia.... I was soo looking forward for her to move to London...!!
Zeljka was such a special person...such a striking beauty and joy de vivre...besides her intelligence and her kindness...she
was so much fun...we have been speaking about Zeljka constantly at home...my 5 year old daughter Isabel thinks that God must
have loved her sooo much to have her with him...she (and us as well)... thinks that she will have a great time in heaven and
that although we are no longer able to see her we can still think about her...so sweet...
I cant think that she's gone...The only way I can actually bear it is to think that she has gone on a long, long trip and
that we'll see each other again...somewhere...
we will be going to Zagreb for the funeral on wednesday...unfortunaely we wont be able to make it to NY, but will be hosting
a dinner party in her memory for her London friends here in London...she loved to have dinner parties... I think she would
have liked that her friends got together to celebrate her life...
I am sending you some photos from last summer in dubrovnic...we went to our friends Eva & Cirylle's wedding and stayed with
Zeljka at her beautiful home...she joined in for all the events and became friends with everyone!! Everybody loved her...
Be well and thank so much for having such an inspired idea...
From VLADIMIR BEN:
Zeljka was a very special friend to me and my family, and I am sure, to all of you as well. We shall never forget her.
From DEBBIE YU:
I didnt meet Zeljka until 2000. We had both been at Princeton, both at Mckinsey, both at IBanks, both Venture Capitalists
(she telecom, me healthcare) but never crossed paths despite our similar travels. She was born 2 days before me in August
1964 which makes us both Leo-Dragons. We were both devoted to our canine companions. Instantly we became good friends and
when I moved back to New York in 2001, we were like soul sisters both beginning new chapters of our lives, walking through
central park with our dogs and wondering where the road would take us. In the past 5 years, I spent holidays with Zeljka's
parents, eating wonderful home cooked Croatian food (my favorite is the stuffed peppers), we became active at the Whitney
Museum, Zeljka hosted a baby shower for me, was a bridesmaid in my wedding then supported me through a horrible divorce. We
tried whenever possible to see each other and my son loved all the intricate bowls of stones, crystal and ojects d'arts around
Zeljka's apartment and we would put everything high up on shelves to avoid a mishap. Zeljka was working on her work/life balance,
her desire to be closer to her aging parents, her desire to be a mother. The road kept bending, changing, flowing for us both.
Zeljka's life was not nearly done and yet i hope that maybe she had peace at the time of her death as things were coming together
for the start of another new chapter... and she was happy. Still, the grief is immeasurable. I miss her smile, her gentleness,
her elegance, her integrity and the part of her that was still an adorable little girl at heart.
Zeljka shared her dreams, her family, her friends and her passions. I dream for her dreams and love for the love she gave.
From CHRISTIAN CORTIS
Those who knew Zeljka professionally will remember her sharp mind, openness and grace with which she could manage complex,
sometimes very challenging situations. Her drive and determination would often rally those who worked with her and bring out
the best in them. They will also remember her confidence and ability to see hidden opportunities in any setback. These qualities
are rarely seen in a single person.
Still, Zeljka was truly unique. In her work, her intellect directed this strength and determination to ensure success. In
her personal life, this energy was aimed at bringing joy and happiness to those close to her. Her frequent and considerable
efforts to bring friends together insider her home, around a trip and many other occasions were only matched by her preoccupation
that all who came always enjoy themselves.
In more difficult times, her energy was directed at providing comfort and support to any friend who called on her. Perhaps
most importantly, this energy turned out to be boundless when it came to caring for her family.
In the spring of 2005, her father Zeljko suffered an accident while he and her mother were visiting her in New York. For the
following months, Zeljka put herself on the line, risking her health and livelihood to care for him in any way she could.
When, after a long period of uncertainty her father eventually came out of immediate danger, Zeljka regained her happiness
and possibly greater clarity about which direction her life would take.
I last saw Zeljka just one week before the accident and it seemed that so many things were beginning to fall into place for
her. Beyond the pain brought on by her loss, I am crushed at the thought that some of her dreams will not be fully realized.
So, instead of imagining the possibilities, I just think of her on a chair lift singing out loud to stay warm or, still, in
a setting sun, and ignoring the fatigue from a day on the slopes, saying with that unforgettable smile of hers: “If
we hurry, we can get another three runs in before they close the slopes”.
Go ahead, Zeljka, we’ll be inside waiting for you.
from PAULA CHOW
I got to know Zeljka when she was a graduate student at Princeton. I clearly remember the day when this beautiful woman with
intense and passionate eyes bursted into my office and offered that with war raging in her country, she wanted us at Princeton
to understand as much as possible the politics of the war and the social and human costs for the people in Croatia, Bosnia
and Serbia. With that, she tirelessly organzied discussions and presentations -- one time even bringing her aunt, who was
to speak at the United Nations, to speak on the atrocities committed against women by the warring soldiers. She also was
involved with other activities at the International Center; and she always sparkled with sunshine, passion, compassion and
commitment. It is an unspeakable lost that her life was so tragically cut short but she would be foundly remembered for her
energy, brilliance, love for life and her believe in goodness. Stay smiling and loving, dear Zeljka, we love you.
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