During her career, Ms Jaksetic officiated 192 matches on the World Tour

Toronto, Canada, December 20, 2012 - Sylvia Mary Jaksetic, an international beach volleyball referee for more than 10 years, passed away on December 19 in her native Toronto, Canada, after a courageous battle with cancer.

During her distinguished career, Ms Jaksetic, 54, officiated 192 matches on the FIVB World Tour in Japan, Italy, South Africa, Brazil and Bermuda.

She first attended a beach volleyball referee course in Japan in 1997 and worked in many events of NORCECA Confederation Circuit besides the World Tour.

Compatriot André Trottier, a member of FIVB Referee Commission, said Ms Jaksetic “was very active in developing volleyball and beach volleyball in Canada and left a durable legacy for all referees in Canada as a member of Volleyball Canada Referee Committee.”

She is survived by her mother Maria and her brother Edward. A funeral service will take place on December 21.