Matushka Eleanor Margitich fell asleep in the Lord on the Feast day of the Life-Giving Spring of the Theotokos, April 25, 2025, at home. She was surrounded by loving family and friends, including His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin, who came to do the first Bright Week memorial prayers for her.
She was preceded by her husband of 65 years, Archpriest Michael Margitich (Colonel USAF) who fell asleep in the Lord on November 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, CA.
Daughter of Jacob and Mary Gogats and the second of six children (James, Maryann (Ligos), Carl, John, and Robert) Eleanor was born in October 3, 1928 in Athenia, New Jersey. She spent most of her life in Clifton, New Jersey until she married her husband, Father Michael, then a seminarian at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Eleanor worked as an accountant in New York City supporting herself and Father Michael while he completed his studies.
Matushka Eleanor loved music and was often the only choir member in some of the many churches/missions as Father Michael celebrated the Liturgy throughout military chapels in their years together.
At the age of 51, Matushka returned to university to study fine arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the age of 58. She created numerous and beautiful works of art, most of which her family proudly displays in their homes.
Matushka Eleanor leaves behind her three children: Irene Margitich (Nevis Fregien), Archpriest Lawrence Margitich (Matushka Ann) and Mark Margitich (Gina), seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren, her dear sister MaryAnn Ligos and brothers Carl and Bob Gogats, and many loved ones at the Parish of the Protection of the Holy Virgin/St. Seraphim Cathedral.
The funeral services for Matushka Eleanor is as follows:
Monday, April 28
6:00 PM, Panikhida, Saint Seraphim Cathedral
Tuesday, April 29
11:00 AM, Funeral, at the Cathedral
Burial in Healdsburg followed by a memorial meal in the Parish hall
May Matushka Eleanor’s memory be eternal!