Lucille was born June 1, 1932 in Portland, to Joseph and Amanda Grabovac. She grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood and attended Grout Grade School. In sixth grade she took up the oboe. When she graduated Washington High School, she had become a skilled player and was a member of the Portland Junior Symphony. She earned a music scholarship to the University of Portland and was one of the first woman students at the institution. Lucille graduated, cum laude, with a bachelor's degree in music in 1953.
Lucille met the love of her life, Lawrence Carich, in the summer of 1949 at the Croatian Fraternal Union lodge picnic at Oaks Park. The two of them were completely smitten from the very beginning. They attended and graduated UP together.
Lucille became a fifth grade teacher at Couch Grade School in 1953. She and Larry married at Sacred Heart Church on December 26, 1953.
Lucille and Larry bought their beloved house in the Beaumont neighborhood and in St. Rose Parish in the summer of 1958.
Lucille and Larry proceeded to build their lives together. Lucille became a gifted homemaker and Larry a talented salesman for Zellerbach Paper Company. Lucille raised her children, kept a household, gardened. She was Larry's right hand. She entertained. Lucille was a Cub Scout den mother, a 4-H leader (sewing) at St. Rose Grade School, where her children attended. She was active in many ways at St. Rose Church, particularly as a reader and a member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Guild.
Lucille and Larry were fine parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, neighbors and friends. Lucille taught her children many things about life, the most important were compassion and empathy.
Lucille and Larry traveled extensively in their retirement years. The beach, Alaska Panhandle, Europe, and especially, Reno were a few of the places they enjoyed.
Home, however, was the best place.
Larry passed away in 2012.
Lucille is survived by her sister, Carol; children, Gregory, Diane and Vincent; grandsons, Erick and James; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was devoted to her family and church.
The family would like to thank Willamette View Retirement Community and Bristol Hospice for their loving and professional care.
