Michael Christopher Jelenic

Birth date: Mar 3, 1984 Death date: May 15, 2025

Beloved Son, Brother, And Friend It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Christopher Jelenic, who left this world suddenly on May 15, 2025, at age 41. Michael is survived by both of his adoring parents, his Read Obituary

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Aaron Bill

9w ago

I just recently found out about Mike's passing and wanted to share a funny story from when we were in high school together 25 years ago. Mike drove a Ford Probe (which isn't relevant to the story, just a car that's no longer in production) and one night we were driving through North Olmsted and for whatever reason he decided to pull into the Marathon gas station at the corner of Lorain and Butternut Ridge. That is not particularly relevant other than the fact that it is right at the corner and visible to traffic from a bunch of different directions. Anyway, he decided to park across three spots in front of the store, got out while his car was still running and promptly locked his keys in his car in the ignition. So the quick trip he thought he'd have while parked across all those spots turned into an hour of waiting for someone to come unlock his car. He was a good guy, this would have been 27 years that I'd known him, and it's sad he's gone. He was definitely unique.

Ryan Klimczak

21w ago

Shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Michael. We had only just been texting in April (and the beginning of May). Michael and I were friends in Paris - forming a quick bond based on a lot of our shared experiences and the fact we were American ex pats living in Paris. We spent many a night talking and walking around the city, complaining a bit - as one does - about all the small annoying things about living in the city. But really that is the love language of Paris itself. Michael was always there to listen when things got difficult - I'll miss him dearly.

Lisa Shenouda

21w ago

Still in disbelief. It feels like just yesterday Myk and I were on the phone in the middle of the night—crying and laughing, laughing and crying.

Myk was a true legend. I’m so grateful I got to spend quality time with him in Lisbon over the past few years. We laughed and cried together in person, and on the phone when he was in Paris. We texted, we chatted, we watched terrible movies together—and somehow, he made even the worst films fun with his brilliant commentary. He was a comic genius. He could say one thing that would echo for weeks, months, even years—whether you’d just met him or known him forever.

I loved to witness Myk’s gift for connection. He met people with genuine curiosity and a lust for life that I always admired. So much brilliance in one human being.

I met Myk in 2010 while working with him on a World Bank project. His work ethic was unmatched, but it wasn’t until we went out for lunch that I discovered just how uproariously funny he was. From there, our friendship grew—and I had the joy of getting to know Elizabeth as well. Over time, I saw the beautiful, close-knit community he and Elizabeth built in Washington, D.C., full of energy, ambition, and laughter.

My brilliant friend, I miss you so much already. You meant the world to me—just as you did to the thousands of friends and admirers lucky enough to know you. I’m forever grateful for the time we shared, and for the gift of your wit, presence, and joy, which lifted every space you entered.

Wishing you rest in eternal peace—and that we meet again on the astral plane.

To your family, I’m sending all my love, comfort, and support during these days of sorrow.

With deep condolences and love from Lisbon,
Lisa

Virginia Cromie

21w ago

in honor of Michael.

Virginia Cromie lit a candle in memory of Michael Jelenic

A lit white pillar candle with a soft glow beside a delicate white lily with green leaves on a pale beige background.

Lisa Shenouda

21w ago

Added 38 new photos to the Friends Forever album.

From Lauren Bissell

21w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Michael.

A vibrant green tree flourishes in a sunny area, showcasing thick leaves and a sturdy trunk.

Plant a tree

From Lauren Bissell

21w ago

Sent a Peaceful White Lilies Basket to the Jelenic family.

A beautiful arrangement features white lilies and carnations, perfect for celebrations or memorials.

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Samantha Janse Van Rensburg

21w ago

We met briefly in Paris 2024; an instant connection with a beautiful soul. I was certain we could be great friends in future. So terribly sad to have heard this tragic news. My thoughts are with your family at this difficult time and my regret is that I did not have more time to know you. 💗

Lisa Shenouda

21w ago

Dear Myk,

I can't even begin to count the times I laughed and cried with you, my dear friend. I still walk around with your hilarious commentary in my head. It’s bittersweet now—although remembering all the fun times, your lightning-fast wit, and that sparkle in your eye brings comfort. So much brilliance in one human being. I will always admire your lust for life and your comic genius.

I had the pleasure of working with you in 2010 at the World Bank on the same project, where your work ethic was unmatched. I had no idea just how uproariously funny you were until we went out for lunch—and from there, our friendship deepened. Over time, I saw the close-knit community you and Elizabeth had in Washington, D.C., with so much energy and love.

Years passed, and we reconnected more fully in 2020, when you and Elizabeth moved to Paris and I was living in Lisbon. We began visiting each other—Lisbon to Paris and back again—until eventually, you both started living in Lisbon part-time. You became part of my Lisbon family, and through you, I met so many other dear friends. Even those who met you just once still speak your name with admiration and warmth.

Michael, you will be profoundly missed and never forgotten. You meant the world to me—just as you did to the thousands of friends and admirers lucky enough to know you. I’m forever grateful for the time we shared and for the gift of your infectious energy, which lifted every space you entered.

Wishing you rest in eternal peace, and that we meet again on the astral plane.

To your family, I’m sending all my love, comfort, and support during these days of sorrow.

With deep condolences and love from Lisbon,
Lisa

Anonymous

21w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Michael.

Plant a tree

Lisa Shenouda

21w ago

Still in disbelief. It feels like just yesterday Myk and I were on the phone in the middle of the night—crying and laughing, laughing and crying.

I loved to witness Myk’s gift for connection. He met people with genuine curiosity and a lust for life that I always admired. So much brilliance in one human being.

Wishing you rest in eternal peace—and that we meet again on the astral plane.

To your family, I’m sending all my love, comfort, and support during these days of sorrow.

With deep condolences and love from Lisbon,
Lisa

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