Celia Grgich
July 15, 1923 - December 27, 2023
Celia “Cil” Grgich (née Pavich) passed away on December 27th. Born July 15, 1923 to immigrant parents from Serbia, Cil grew up in a close-knit Serbian enclave in Steubenville, Ohio. Her early days were filled with hardship due to her father’s early demise yet her memories were of laugh-out-loud moments and innocent mischief with her siblings and childhood pals that became lifelong friends and relatives. While settled in Daly City where she raised her family with love and devotion, she worked hard to keep Serbian traditions alive. She was devoted to her Serbian Orthodox faith as a founding member of St. John’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral where she served her church community as a multi-term President and active member of the St Sophia Sisterhood. Additionally, she and her sister-inlaw, Martha Kardum, were essential in supporting the growth of Camp St. Sava in Jackson, Calif., where she not only built a strong community of friendship and helped spread Serbian culture for many generations of children across the state. Cil loved a good bargain (especially a mystery Kohl’s scratch-off coupon) on clothes and accessories those that weren’t returned - that she’d combine with items from her bursting closets into stylish outfits she crafted as much for a doctor’s appointment as for a special occasion. She relished discovering garage sale kitsch to fill the home she and Nick built in Sonoma in 1973. No outing was complete without picking up a kitchen gadget, romance novel or clock followed by a cherished lunch out.
Of course, her legacy would not be the same had she not, as a young woman, met the love of her life, Nick Grgich. Partners in marriage, dance and life for over 65 years until his death in 2011, theirs was a special love marked with a sense of humor and devoted friendship. Her heart always beat a little faster when he was near. Cil leaves her sons, Steve (Natasha), Stan, Dan (Sharon) and Mitch (Cathy); and grandchildren, Kyle (Krystle), Kaia (Nikola Kordic), Nick, Misha (Unmi); and great-grandchildren, Olivia, Carter and Nova. She is survived by her godchildren, Ann and George Tepovich and was preceded in death by her dearly beloved niece,
Joanne (Fred) Wolfinger, and family. Cil was predeceased by her parents, Mike and Anna, as well as her siblings, Maryann “Maci” Vignovich and Stanko Pavich. The family who became friends and the many friends who became family, will miss her active presence in their lives. Each of them have wonderful memories to hold close, and in the coming years each will realize the impact she had on them is beyond measure. Having Cil as a mother, motherin-law, aunt, grandmother, godmother, mentor and loving friend will always be valued. Cil enjoyed a “family-first” life on Steuben Lane that made her happy, a heart full of dreams that found their way true, and a lot of really good friends along the way. Our family would like to give special thanks to Griselda Hernandez and Araceli Hernandez for taking care of our mom for the past four years. They became her new girlfriends. The endless memories shared with her over her 100 years of life will sustain us for the rest of our lives.
Friends are welcome to gather for a Memorial and Celebration of Cil’s full life during pomen (memorial) services on Wednesday, January 10th, 5:30 p.m., at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 West Napa Street in Sonoma. Visitation hours will be on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Duggan’s at 10:30 a.m. Graveside services to follow at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park and Cemetery, 126 First Street West, Sonoma. A dacha luncheon follows. Remembrances may be made to St. Sophia Sisterhood c/o John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 910 Baker Street, San Francisco or St. Sava Children’s Camp, PO BOX 965 Jackson, Calif. 95642.