Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Tatjana Grgich Obituary
Tatjana Grgich
1928-2020
Tatjana Grgich, nee Cizmic, died on Sept. 2, 2020, at home with her family by her side.
Born in 1928 in Zadvarje, Yugoslavia, Tatjana was the former wife of Miljenko (Mike) Grgich, the mother of Violet Grgich (Colin Shipman), and the grandmother of Noel Grgich-Shipman. She is survived by her sister, Vjekoslava Cizmic Sturmer, and many nephews and nieces both in the US and Croatia.
A deeply devout Catholic, Tatjana touched everyone she met with her extraordinary kindness, generosity, charm, style and vivacity. She was renowned for her extraordinary culinary skills, and regaled everyone with her Croatian specialties, including her famous Cheese Sticks, which she used to make for visitors to Grgich Hills Estate in Napa Valley. Photography was a passion for her and she was rarely seen without at least two or three cameras by her side.
A founding member of WiRED, a non-profit human support agency, Tatjana worked tirelessly to improve the lives of disadvantaged populations in her native Croatia, as well as in Serbia and Bosnia. For thirty years, she served as president of the Tatjana Grgich Foundation, dedicated to projects that assist youth from Croatia and other high-conflict regions of the world. Based in the Napa Valley, her foundation supports all manner of local and national charitable organizations, providing educational, medical and spiritual resources to families and individuals.
As a member of the Board of Regents of The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, since 1986, she helped to inaugurate national fund-raising events that have raised nearly $40 million in scholarships for deserving students. Tatjana was also a board member and benefactor of the Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) Institute at La Roche College in Pittsburgh, Pa., from its inception in 1993, bringing students from war-torn areas to learn each other's cultures, along with conflict resolution skills.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to support the wide-ranging charitable projects of the Tatjana Grgich Family Foundation ([email protected]); the St. Helena Catholic Church (sthelenacatholicchurch.org); or the Croatian Scholarship Fund (San Ramon, croatianscholarship.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tatjana Grgich
Biba Maletic
September 16, 2020
My condolences to the family ..
Tatjana was an amazing woman .. RIP
John LaBrasca
September 16, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Grgurich
September 15, 2020
What an inspiring, beautiful life she led. She cared so much about others. An angel now.
Linda Grgurich
Mark Grgurich
September 15, 2020
What a precious, generous soul.
Boris Vilic
September 8, 2020
As one of many students who benefited from her philanthropy, I was personally touched by her big Croatian heart. Yet, she indebted me most with the gift of friendship and the memories of times spent with her. Poivala u miru Bojem!
Boris Vilic
Dean, Rider University
Branko Barbir
September 5, 2020
Tatjana was one of the first incredible supporters of the Croatian Scholarship Fund, and her generosity brought opportunities to so many students who would not be where they are today without her. Thank you Tatjana for all you brought to Croatia and Croatian students, and may you rest in peace.
Branko Barbir
Founder, Croatian Scholarship Fund
Kristina Susac
September 5, 2020
Tatjana was an angel on this earth who worked tirelessly to bring joy to all, and to ease the suffering of those she didn't even know. Her giant smile, hearty laughter, and mega heart are forever etched in our minds and souls. Volimo te do Neba draga, mila nasa!
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Tatjana Grgich's name
Memorial Events
for Tatjana Grgich
How to support Tatjana's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Tatjana Grgich's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
