Lucy Zivanovich

1930 - 2026

Lucy Zivanovich passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2026, at the age of 95.

Lucy was born on July 24, 1930, in the village of Lovorno in the Konavle Valley of Croatia to Tomo "Tomko" Arkulin and Luce Arkulin (née Ceo). She was the third youngest of four children in a close-knit Croatian family shaped by their love for one another. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Zivanovich; her brothers, Ivo and Pero; and her sister, Stane, the youngest of the siblings.

In the years following World War II, Lucy left her homeland of Yugoslavia with her future husband, John. The couple spent two years in a Vatican political refugee camp before being married in 1955 at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. In 1956, they immigrated to the Pajaro Valley, carrying little but their determination and the values of family and community that defined their lives.

Lucy worked in various canneries throughout the region before retiring from Green Giant in the early 1970s. She worked hard for her family and was known for her endurance and unwavering work ethic. Like many of her generation, she did not complain; she simply did what needed to be done to ensure her family would have the opportunity for a better life.

She was especially known for her cooking, gardening, and crocheting. Her homemade soups, cabbage and kobasica, kroštule, and apple pies filled her home with warmth. Her macaroni, known in the family as "Baba's noodles", was a simple yet amazing dish that became part of many lasting memories around the table.

Lucy loved gardening and took particular pride in growing orchids. She was once named the "Orchid Lady of Watsonville" in the local newspaper. Her yard was her happy place to practice patience and care.

In her later years, she found happiness and comfort in spending time with her family and routines; her daily 2:00 p.m. coffee and the steady (and fast) rhythm of crocheting. Her handmade blankets became well known among family and friends, cherished not only for their craftmanship but for the love woven into every stitch. "Baba's blankets" will live on with her love for many generations to come.

Above all, Lucy loved being "Baba." Family was everything. Her strength, steadiness, and devotion shaped generations and will remain a part of her family's foundation.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary; her son, John (wife Karen); her grandchildren, Niko, Peter, Jacob, and Ciella; and extended family and cousins in Croatia and the US.

At Lucy's request, services will be private. Mehl's Colonial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Rachel Kuo of Florence Kuo Home Care and Angelica Figueroa for their compassionate care.

She will be deeply missed. Neka pociva u miru.