Mary Grzanich

Mary Grzanich, a longtime Durham resident, died peacefully in her sleep on December 21, 2009. Mary was born on November 25, 1924 in Oakland, CA to John and Pava Yerica. She attended Oakland schools and held many interesting jobs during World War II. On February 24, 1946, she married Edward Grzanich and shortly thereafter moved to Durham. She and Ed farmed almonds and raised their six children on Jones Avenue and the Midway until Ed's death in 1980. Mary was active in many community organizations, including Durham American Legion Auxiliary, Durham Grange, St. James Church, Catholic Ladies Relief and P.T.A. Mary enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren's school and sports activities. After retirement, Mary traveled throughout the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. Her favorite trip was in 1980 when she and her daughter, Pauline traveled to the Dalmaian Coast of Yugoslavia to visit the birthplace of her mother and father and met several cousins. Mary leaves her daughters, Pauline Grzanich and Dianne (Don) McNeal of Willits; sons, Edward of Oroville, Joseph (Lauraine) of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, and John and Dan (Cathleen) of Durham. She is also survived by grandchildren, Courtney, Austin and Salem McNeal, Megan Monet, Christine, Jesse, Mary, Mark and Caroline Grzanich and great-grandchildren, Angelina and Lily. Her parents, brother, Peter Srsen, and granddaughter, Claire Grzanich preceded her in death. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2009, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Brusie Funeral Home Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St.James Church in Durham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Durham American Legion Auxiliary or the Claire Therese Grzanich Memorial Fund, c/o the funeral home.