Dear Jadranka,

I met you more than fifteen years ago. From the beginning you treated me as a friend, there was no need to slowly warm up to you. You were simply Jadranka, warm-hearted, vivacious, full of laughter. I will miss you indeed.

Much love, and peace, God bless you and look after you know.

Kristina

I met Jadranka about thirty years ago, when Prof. Pulanić introduced us to a young, promising person, our new head nurse with the idea of building a nursing service that should follow the rapid progress of the profession. It was her first encounter with gastroenterology, but Jadranka, on her own way, with great enthusiasm and will, without fear, who knows how many times she started from the beginning. Within a few months she had mastered all endoscopic skills, becoming a leading teacher. She carefully brought together all the nurses and technicians, gained their trust and love, in a way that approached each one individually whether in solving professional or personal problems.

Despite the early death of her mother, and soon her father in the formative period, she left Sisak for Zagreb and set off on her own at full speed on several tracks. Along with her family, husband Ivan and daughter Dorothea, working in a hospital, she is constantly improving hers profession, becoming a master of nursing by graduating from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Zagreb with a degree in nursing. She quickly realizes that there will be no progress if he does not expand his horizons beyond the borders of Croatia. He goes privately to English language courses, goes to the UK for education. Then she became actively involved in the work of ESGENA, where her strength and energy were recognized so that she soon became its president for a one-year term. With her position and authority, she introduced many Croatian nurses and technicians to Europe, as well as doctors from all over our country.

In 2020, the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, awarded the Order of the Croatian Interlace for her exceptional contribution to nursing as a profession and to the promotion of health in the territory of the Republic of Croatia and in Europe.

I admired her ability how she runs parallel worlds,calmly, always putting matter before the form. I wondered how she makes it? It was simply in her, persistent in her intent, always with a clear vision. She took all beautifull things in life without reserve and sincerely gave herself completely, from friendships in the sports club from Fabkovićeva, octopus hunting in Bilo, to literature, concerts, exhibitions and her great happiness, grandson Leo.

Nadan Rustemović

I miss a great colleague and a dear friend. Jadranka was a little bit crazy like many of us in Endoscopy - passionate about her profession, pround to be an Endoscopy nurse. 

She was a excellent teacher with a good feeling what her students needed. She really  had the talent for challenging her students to get the best out of them. Even being ill, she suggested colleagues for taking part in working groups and guideleine developement.  

I've known her for more than 20 years. During this time she has undergone astonishing development. From the shy colleague, for whom everything was new at the European level, she developed into a self-confident personality who was well networked throughout Europe. I will miss her questions, her ideas and her enthusiasm. 

I will really miss her loud laugh, her jokes and warm words. We managed a lot of work together, but most important we had a lot of fun together.

Yes, she lost her last fight, now she can rest in peace. 

My condulence to her family, especially to her husband and her daughter, and to all Croatian colleagues. 

Good bye, Jadranka 

Dear Marjon de Pater-Godthelp, President of ESGENA,

It is very sad news the passing of Jadranka Brljak.

From what we’ve read about her, she was such a great friend and colleague to many, sharing her passion and expertise in endoscopy nursing. May she rest in peace.

We send our sincere condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and all ESGENA members.

Yours sincerely,

Ilaria de Barbieri, RN, PhD, EDTNA/ERCA President

On behalf of EDTNA/ERCA Executive Committee

Shocked when I received the news and reminded today, when I can formulate my thoughts. A spark has flown some place else... Jadranka was the gripping energy when she was amongst us. She lifted everyone around her and asked nothing in return. It was like breathing to her. A sense of that spark will never leave those who had a privilege meeting her or even spending time with her, I'm sure. It gives joy to see how many people she touched.

 Farewell Jadranka, until we meet again...

Dear Jadranka,

What a shock it must be for your family, colleagues and friends when you left our world. And so also for me. ❣️

I hardly cannot believe I'll never could see you and talk to you. When I met you many, many years ago during An Esgena meeting, I was impressed about your personality, kindness, happynes, perseverance and always open for new things. Like to learn the english language for better communication. I remember the meeting at your hospital when you asked your english teacher for translation.

What should I say more. Most has been said by others as well.

I'll miss you and always remember you as a good friend. Never forget you. 🍀

Rest in piece into the other world. We'll meet again one Day

My dearest sympathie for your husband, daughter and grandchild.

Love, Christine 

I am deeply saddened by the sad news that Jadranka is no longer with us. I met you at many events and workshops, also in Croatia, with your inimitable, helpful and fun-loving nature.

I will never forget you and will always remember you. Rest in peace!

My deepest condolences to your family!

Thomas

I am so sorry to hear this sad news about the passage to a better world of our dear Jadranka. She was not only great in her profession, but also a friend, a leader, an example of strenght for all the other colleagues.

I have met her during my first ESGENA events and the way she encouraged me is still a vivid memory in my heart. With her near by, everything seemed easier and more enjoyable. She kept on telling me to relax and have fun.

I pray for her sould to be relaxed wherever she might be and that all the positive energy she has gave us went back to her for eternal afterlife.

Farewell, Jandranka

With Jadranka we were not only professional colleagues, but we also became friends. With her energy, positive thinking and good will, she inspired us that we want to do even more in the professional field. We loved inviting her to our meetings where she was always active. We will miss her and she will stay in our memory forever.

Endoscopy and gastroenterology

nurses and medical technicians association of Slovenia

Dear Jadranka,

your figure will be always in my mind, you were full of life, louder, I can hear your voice " čuj Stara kaj misliš".

Your professional and scientific work was important for Croatian nursing, you were consistently in the first line of nursing burden, with your attitude, with your knowledge, and your skills and expertise.

Grant her a place of happiness, light, and peace in the kingdom of your glory forever.

Amen.

Dear Jadranka,

It was so nice to meet you and to work with you. We had such a nice time  at the UEGW`s.

I`ll mis you.

Rosita

Dear Jadranka

We had a lot of nice time together.

Also, were our meetings at the UEGW congresses great moment of exchange and discussion.

For me it was a good feeling to know that I could calculate with your presence and your active participation during the workshops.

I will miss you…

Eric

Thank you for letting me know. I am so sorry to get the news about Jadranka.

She was a dear friend and colleague and I always enjoyed her company. No doubt she will be missed very much. May She Rest In Peace.

Norah Connelly

Sent from my iPhone