Marian K. Guracech

Sterling Heights, MI – Marian K. Guracech, 93, died peacefully Monday May 12, 2026. She was born February 23, 1933 in Detroit, MI to Joseph and Barbara Cerjanec. Beloved wife to the late James Guracech, they married on February 11, 1956 and shared 68 years together. Loving mother of four children; Jim (Darlene), Greg (Tracie), Barb (John) and Marian 'Cheech'. Adored grandmother of Jennifer, Jonathan, Maria (Eric), James, Shane, Kyle, Matthew (Meghan) and Michael (Zachary); great-grandmother of Benjamin, Andrew and Briggs. She was the very proud Aunt of Janette Roller and Anthony Radman. She was also preceded in death by her older sister Dorothy. She always looked up to her sister and shared many memories of the antics the two of them got into. She was a bowler, even bowling in children’s leagues with Dorothy. They would ride the bus to and from bowling making a candy shop stop on the way home. They were the best of friends and would do anything for each other. While dancing Kolos at the Croatian Club she caught the eye of a young violin player - Jim. They dated quietly for a while before coming out publicly as a couple. That was the beginning of a relationship that would last until Jim passed two years ago. In reality that relationship never ended, she thought of him non stop every single day and now she is with him again. They married on February 11, 1956. At that time Marian worked an office job at Chrysler until her second child was born. From that point on she was a stay at home mother until the youngest entered junior high. She was the most welcoming of hosts whether it was to friends of her children or their own friends. The door was always open and people knew they could drop by any day anytime. She was always prepared for the drop ins with an assorted array of baked goods including apple pita, fresh made doughnuts or cakes. One of her characteristics that shined the brightest was her ability to talk to anyone of any age and connect with them. That was a true gift that resonated with so many and is why so many felt comfortable just dropping in unannounced. One of the most memorable traditions they had was their open door at Christmas Eve. Everyone knew they were welcome to stop over and stay deep into the night celebrating the holiday. This tradition has been kept alive by their children. In the early years of their marriage they enjoyed camping with family and friends, Later in life (and in retirement) they loved to travel however camping was traded for hotels. As part of that travel, her trips to Las Vegas were special to her. Initially those trips were with her mom and sister and later a group of Croatian Golden Girls made it an annual ritual. She was proud of the music side of her husband and supported him unconditionally whether he was playing as part of the Balkan Cavaliers, directing the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra (DTO) or just playing in a pick up group at various events. Hanging with her friends and enjoying the Balkan Cavaliers’ was a regular event that she treasured. In addition, she helped coordinate and work DTO with concerts, dinners and events to make sure they ran smoothly. She was a supporter of anything Mothers Club did from dancing on stage to serving dinners at banquets. Later in life she was an amazing grandmother, taking the kids on various adventures which included trips to Nashville, Disney, etc. Beside her own grandchildren, many others called her Grandma G and she loved that. She supported her grandkids sporting events and anything and everything with music and dance. She loved when the grandkids would spend the night and spoiled them in the best of ways. The weekly Croatian music and dance practices near their house was an opportunity to start a new tradition. Every week their house was a place for the family to gather around the dinner table and enjoy the amazing dinners they prepared Everyone looked forward to those dinners and to this day they have fondest of memories of them. She will be Instate Saturday from 11:00am until the time of 12pm Funeral Mass at St Lucy Croatian Catholic Church, 200 E Wattles Rd, Troy, MI. Interment at White Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to in her name to CFU Zola Lodge 351 or St. Lucy Church. Funeral Saturday May 16th, instate 11am at St. Lucy Croatian Catholic Church 200 Wattles Rd., until time of Mass at 12noon. Interment White Chapel Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Marian K. Guracech

February 23, 1933 - May 12, 2026