Born and raised in Croatia, Grace spent her early years in the country she always held close to her heart. In her late twenties, she made the journey to the United States in search of new opportunities and a brighter future. Not long after arriving in America, Grace became the proud mother of three sons. She raised them entirely on her own, balancing motherhood, while building a career at Simon & Schuster. Grace worked tirelessly both in the workplace and at home, always ensuring her boys were well cared for and never went without.
She was an exceptional cook whose meals had a way of bringing everyone together. Her table was always open, and no one ever left hungry. She became famous among family and friends for her crepes, grilled cheese sandwiches, fried chicken, and stuffed cabbage. Her talents extended well beyond the kitchen. Blessed with an incredible green thumb, Grace’s gardens were always bursting with colorful flowers and thriving vegetables. The vegetables she harvested often found their way into whatever delicious meal she was preparing that week.
Becoming “GG” was one of the greatest joys of her life. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren. Sundays were especially meaningful, as she faithfully took them to St. Peter’s Church before treating them to breakfast together. She created traditions that her grandchildren will cherish, from gathering along the streets of Riverside for the annual Memorial Day Parade to ringing in every New Year’s Eve at GG’s house, where they eagerly waited for midnight so they could run outside banging pots and pans in celebration.
Outside of caring for her family, Grace treasured time spent with her friends over coffee, enjoyed peaceful walks, and appreciated life’s simple pleasures. She never turned down McDonald’s fries, loved sharing an Angelo’s pizza with family, and found comfort in a fresh loaf of Deluca’s bread enjoyed alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Grace is predeceased by her parents Peter and Anka Peros and her brother Eve Peros.
She is survived by her children Bob (Gretchen) Anicic, Al (Heather) Anicic, and Dennis Anicic, and her grandchildren Kylie (Ward) Ries and Hunter Anicic, along with many relatives and friends.
Come celebrate 87 great years on Tuesday July 14th, from 10am – 11am where there will be an 11am service at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Entombment immediately to follow at St. Peter’s cemetery in Riverside. Flowers can be delivered to Sweeney Funeral Home.
