Olga Kucelj

Olga Marie (Zic) Kucelj, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home on September 17, 2026, at the age of 88, with her devoted husband, Ivan, by her side. Her life was marked by love, faith, sacrifice, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Olga was born on May 30, 1938, on the beautiful island of Otok Krk, Croatia, then part of Yugoslavia, to Frane and Maria Zic. She was the second of four children and the second oldest daughter. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Hilda Pavelko (Zic), Ruza Zic, and Ljubica Sekulic (Zic). She is survived by her brother, Anton Zic.
From an early age, Olga demonstrated a strong devotion to God and faith in His leading. Despite the hardships she faced during WWII, she furthered her education and worked toward becoming a dental technician.

In her early twenties, she bravely immigrated to the United States. Upon arriving in New York, a beloved cousin introduced her to God's word and truth. This spark of faith grew steadily throughout her lifetime, bringing her joy, strength, and comfort. Olga was baptized and joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Astoria, Queens.
It was there that she met Ivan Josip Kucelj, a recent convert from Zagreb. Family stories tell of Ivan's determination to win Olga's attention-he would ask her out if she came to church three Sabbaths in a row. Olga and Ivan eventually married on February 21, 1965, beginning a partnership that would last more than 61 years.

Soon after their marriage, Olga and Ivan moved to Yonkers, New York, where they welcomed their first daughter, Michelle Anica, on February 24, 1966, followed by their second daughter, Nancy Marie, on August 23, 1967.

The young family later moved to Astoria, Queens, where Olga and Ivan served as superintendents. Olga worked at a dental laboratory in Manhattan while Ivan worked at General Motors in Tarrytown, New York.

In 1977, Olga and Ivan purchased their first home in Tarrytown, New York, choosing the community in part because of its good schools and opportunities for their daughters. Olga worked at Sabella Dental Laboratory, eventually becoming a supervisor in the porcelain department. Ivan was able to live closer to his automobile manufacturing plant.

Those years brought a peaceful and happy chapter in the family's life. Olga and Ivan watched their daughters grow, attend Sleepy Hollow High School, and become actively involved in both their church and school communities. Family, faith, work, and service were woven together into the rhythm of their lives.

Olga and Ivan were proud to send their daughters to Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. After their daughters graduated, both married, Michelle to Daniel Bacchiocchi, Nancy to John Petersen, and began families of their own. Their grandchildren-Christiano, Madeleine, and Lauren-soon became a treasured part of Olga and Ivan's lives.

Wanting to be close to their family and help wherever they could, Olga and Ivan eventually moved from New York to Berrien Springs, Michigan, to help raise their grandchildren. They lived on Long Lake Road for 27 years, becoming a steady and loving presence in the lives of their growing family. During those years, they worshiped with the Seventh-day Adventist community at both Pioneer and Village churches.
Olga's love for her family was expressed not only in words, but in a lifetime of quiet, sacrificial service. She gave generously of herself-her time, her strength, her home, and her heart. She was the kind of mother and grandmother who was always willing to help, always ready to give, and whose greatest joy came from seeing her family cared for and together.

For the final six years of her life, Olga and Ivan lived in Midland, Texas, near their daughter Nancy. There, they had the special privilege of helping care for Nancy's two youngest children, Michelle and Marie Petersen. Once again, Olga poured herself into the lives of her grandchildren, creating memories and giving them the gift of her presence, love, and care. Olga became a great grandmother to Avalina and Kataraina Bacchiocchi and Joshua Boicourt.

Olga's life was one of steadfast love. She was a woman who crossed oceans and built new beginnings, worked hard, raised a family, served others, and gave herself sacrificially to those she loved. Her journey took her from the island of Krk to Zagreb, from Croatia to New York, and eventually to Michigan and Texas. Yet wherever she lived, home was wherever her family was.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Ivan; her daughters, Michelle and Nancy; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; extended family; friends; and the many people whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

Olga leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years or accomplishments. Her greatest legacy is found in the people she loved, the family she nurtured, the faith she lived, and the countless acts of service she quietly gave throughout her life.

She loved deeply. She gave generously. She served faithfully. And she made her family feel loved.

Her Life was a Gift, her Love was a Blessing, and her Memory will remain in the Hearts of all who knew her.