Passed away peacefully after a short illness October 27, 2018, in the loving presence of family and friends at Glenbrook Lodge in St. John’s. She was 87. Elena was a voracious reader, skillful knitter, big fan of low-budget Turkish dramas on Netflix, and absolutely fanatical about feta cheese. Above all she was devoted to family - especially her two grandchildren. Born April 16, 1931, second of two children gifted to Kenka (Goleva) Saulova and Georgi Petrov Saulov in Karlovo, Bulgaria. Married civil engineer Todor Brakalov in the mid-1950’s and built twin careers - professional librarian and loving mother - in the capital city Sofia. After husband Todor passed in 1996, Elena moved to St. Philip’s NL to join family and become a proud Canadian citizen. Elena will be dearly missed by daughter Vessela (Gerald) and grandchildren Elitza (Nick) and Theo. Predeceased by big brother Peter in 1978, and loving husband Todor Stefanov Brakalov in 1996. Special thanks to the kind staff at Glenbrook Lodge and all the wonderful friends and caregivers who have played such a large and loving role in her life. Friends are invited to join the Brakalova family for a time of fellowship on, Tuesday October 30, 2018 from 7pm to 9pm, at The Grounds Café (1525 Portugal Cove Rd, Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, NL A1M 3H3). In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Glenbrook Lodge, St. John’s.