Lucille Rose Marcich (Mandarich)

It is with saddened hearts that we honor the life of Lucille Rose Marcich (Mandarich), born in Milwaukee Oct. 3, 1928 and passing Dec. 5, 2020 in Zagreb, Croatia.

Lucille (Lu) is survived by her six children (Christopher, Mirianne, Adrianne, Ivo, Marino and Maria ) and her ten grandchildren (Andrea, Abu, Sabrina, Larissa, Luka, Anthony, Niko, Iva, Vito and Maja) as well as her in-law children (Davor, Susan, Heather and Maja). She is also survived by her dear niece and nephew (Donna and Vic). She was pre-deceased by her brothers Eddie, Vic and infant Richard. Lu was very proud of her children and entire family, which also includes the Petrusek and Shesto families of Milwaukee. Her parents were Elenore Bertha Petrusek and Jacob Robert Mandarich.

She grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Marquette University in 1951 with a degree in Sociology. She valued education immensely and generously supported the advanced education of all of her children.

Lucille's father instilled in her a great love for Croatia. In 1954 she traveled for the first time to Cista Croatia to visit the Mandarich family and her relatives still living there. It is on this journey where she also met her future husband, Dr. Zivko Marcich. Indeed the parents' love for Croatia has in turn been passed on to the entire family … children and grandchildren as well.

Lu truly enjoyed meeting and talking to people. Anyone who had the good fortune to sit next to her on a bus, train or plane was sure to engage in a hearty discussion about family and any other topic of mutual interest. She was kind and gracious.

After raising her six children, Lucille returned to the work force, coordinating activities for the Elderly Nutrition Program in Milwaukee. She was an ardent advocate for the elderly and was passionate about her work.

Lucille felt her health fading at the start of the year and wished to spend her last days in Croatia. She bravely persisted in traveling there during the March pandemic peak and arrived in Zagreb the morning that the borders were closing. After only one week there, and while still in quarantine, she experienced the powerful earthquake in Zagreb at its epicenter. She was unflappable during the entire experience, and even managed to enjoy a final summer on the island of Rab in Croatia with much of her family.

Lucille suffered a stroke in late August and was not able to fully recover. She was cremated at Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb Croatia. Final burial and funeral services are planned in Rab, Croatia during the summer of 2021, when more family and friends will be able to gather together in her honor.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that memorials be sent to the Goodwill Meals on Wheels charity of Milwaukee.

May she rest in peace!

https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs040213