Matushka Margitich Obituary

Matushka Eleanor Margitich
October 3, 1928 - April 25, 2025
Matushka Eleanor (Gogats) Margitich was born in Athenia, New Jersey on Oct. 3rd, 1928, giving her the self-title of "Jersey Girl" because it spoke to her moxie, of which she had plenty! She is the daughter of Jacob and Mary Gogats and the second of six children (James, Maryann (Ligos), Carl, John, and Robert).
Upon marriage to Michael Margitich (our dearly departed mitered Archpriest), the pair moved to a small apartment in New York City, where Eleanor worked as an accountant supporting herself and Fr. Michael while he attended the seminary. Once Fr. Michael was ordained, Mat. Eleanor spent the following years raising their family and making twenty different homes as a result of moving over twenty times, from Germany to Hawaii, the West Coast, Mid-West, deep South and East Coast (courtesy of the U.S. Air Force). Mat Eleanor loved music and was oftentimes the only choir member when Fr. Michael celebrated the Liturgy in many military chapels.
In 1984, having moved to Plymouth, Massachusetts, she helped Fr. Michael to start St. Mark of Ephesus Orthodox Mission Church in the neighboring town, Kingston.
Being bright, independent, creative, tenacious, and desiring to expand her horizons, Eleanor went to college at the age of 51 to study the Fine Arts and endeavored to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater Mass. at the age of 58. She painted many beautiful works of art, most of which her family proudly displays in their homes. Eleanor reveled in the beauty of nature and adored her cats, birds and dogs of years past.
Moving to Santa Rosa, CA in 1989, she encouraged Fr. Michael to build St. Seraphim's Church in Santa Rosa CA. When he had doubts about starting the new church Eleanor said "you build it and they will come." Mat. Eleanor deeply valued and loved her many St. Seraphim friends and so enjoyed visiting with them often.
Mat. Eleanor loved to laugh and did so often. She so enjoyed playing scrabble every night and she played to win. She had a lot of fun playing, (often winning), corn-hole every day with family and friends and was adoringly voted the best 90+ year old player in the world!
Above all, Matushka Eleanor was a woman whose unshakeable faith lent itself to her persevering spirit. She was a living example of how true faith, devotion to love, and a desire to serve the Lord could create beautiful bounty in the world. She was a source of wisdom, joy, beauty, fun, security, and grace for all who knew and loved her.
Mat. Eleanor was preceded by her husband of 65 years, the dearly departed Mitered Archpriest Fr. (Colonel USAF) Michael Margitich. She leaves behind her three children: Irene Margitich (Nevis Fregien), Fr. Lawrence Margitich (Matushka Ann) and Mark Margitich (Gina), seven beloved grandchildren: Elizabeth, Joann, Justin, Alex, Lydia, Bobby and Simon Margitich, and eight beloved great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her deeply and love her always.
Matushka Eleanor Margitich fell asleep in the Lord on the Feast day of the Life-Giving Spring of the Theotokos, April 25, 2025 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by loving family and friends. Christ is risen. Memory Eternal!
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 29th at 11:00 AM at St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral, 90 Mountain View Avenue, Santa Rosa, California. Interment will follow at Oak Mound Cemetery, 601 Piper Street, Healdsburg, California.