A Watsonville native and daughter of immigrant Croatians, Mary Ann Gurovich, age 89, passed away March 24, 2018. She was born July 6, 1928, and has left an outstanding legacy as a Registered Nurse that spanned nearly 50 years. Mary Ann graduated from Moreland’s Notre Dame Academy in 1945, and Providence College of Nursing in 1948. She began her nursing career at Watsonville Hospital and left after several years to work as the lead nurse in the Watsonville and Willows offices of Dr. Augustus Giberson. In 1990, she retired as a Head Nurse of the Pediatric Unit at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. Mary Ann devoted herself to the care of countless people in her years as a nurse, before and after her retirement. It was her greatest satisfaction that so many parents of children in her care recognized her devotion and commitment to the welfare of their children. She lived her life content in knowing what she had done for so many families.
Mary Ann loved learning, traveling and maintained multiple languages. She was a gourmet cook and an avid participant in crafts that she could donate in support of local community services. A “life force”, she brought laughter and support with her keen wit and humor. Her passion as a sports aficionado developed playing tennis in her youth. She enjoyed following the careers of athletic greats, with Nadal being her favorite tennis player, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame her favorite team. Mary Ann is survived by her beloved cousins, George Miljanich, Peter Miljanich and their families, along with the many friends she has made throughout her life.
Private graveside services were held April 11, 2018, at the Watsonville Catholic Cemetery. Donations in her remembrance may be given to Notre Dame Catholic School in Watsonville and/or the Watsonville Hospice Nursing Center. Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
