Annette J. Samac-Grejtak

Annette Jean Samac-Grejtak (87) passed away peacefully on June 6, 2023, with family lovingly by her side. Born February 4, 1936, to Charles and Mary Samac (Croatian immigrants to America) Annette spent her youth in Hillside, PA. With her five siblings who predeceased her (Rosemarie Janick, Charles Samac, Barbara Petkovsek, John Samac, David Samac). The remaining sister is Diana Acker of Oak Hill, VA. Graduating from Derry Township High School, in 1955, she left the hills of Appalachia for the big city of Cleveland, Ohio.

Annette began her career in Cleveland as an Ohio Bell telephone operator. It was there Annette’s lifelong love of everything Croatian: cuisine, music, kolo dancing, tamburitzan festivals around the country. Touring Croatia in later years and meeting relatives was a dream come true. Annette was a member of the Cleveland Kolo Aces and active at St. Paul’s Croatian Catholic Church.

Annette was married to Edward Cvitkovich for 33 years. Their journey took them to Ohio State University, Canal Fulton, Ohio and ultimately Tucson, Arizona. Their daughters Karen Brady (John) of Tucson, Nancy Formichella (Romano) of Italy and Myrtle Beach, SC and Laura Greubel (Alan) of San Diego, CA were the center of Annette’s life. Devotion to her three accomplished and beautiful daughters was surpassed only by her love of God.

Grandchildren Kevin Brady, Caitlin Brady and Brendan Brady (Kimberly Roland) of Tucson and Phoenix, along with Allison Greubel and Liam Greubel of San Diego, CA, were the delight of her life, they mourn her loss and treasuring her memory and the guiding principles she imparted to them. Annette had scores of nieces and nephews across the country, some of whom lovingly refer to her as ‘Aunt Annette, the Queen of Arizona’.

Annette’s marriage to Matthew Grejtak in 1993 was filled with love and travel and a shared devotion to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the University of Arizona sports, and gardening. Retirement days were filled with volunteering at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and singing in the choir.

A highlight of her career was her work at the University of Arizona, and she is fondly remembered by many friends and colleagues. She also wholeheartedly served as the President of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #1002 and Secretary of the Croatian Cultural Club of Tucson. If you knew Annette, you knew how much loved everything Croatian.

After Matthew’s passing, Annette resided at Foothills Place Assisted Living where she was named ‘Ambassador in Residence’ due to her dazzling personality and generous heart to everyone she met there.

Mass of the Rite of Christian Burial in thanksgiving for the life of Annette will be celebrated at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1300 N. Greasewood Rd., Tucson, Az 85745, on Thursday, June 15th, 2023 with 9:30 am Rosary, 10 am Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peppi’s House, 2715 N. Wyatt Drive, Tucson, AZ 85712.