PLEICH, Willie P. (Gigi)

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Willie P. Pleich, also lovingly known as “Gigi,” age 93, joined her husband Johnny and daughter Darlene “Dar” for a heavenly celebration on Sunday, March 8, 2015. She was born in Redlodge, Mont. to Philip (Mike) and Paulina Bartolic on June 16, 1921. One of seven children, she was preceded in death by her brothers Antone, Richard, and Sister Olga Mabry. She is survived by Sister Margie Magagna of Pocatello, Idaho, Emil of Rock Springs, Wyo., and Albert (Doramary) of Newport Beach, Cali. along with many nieces and nephews. Willie, her husband and young daughter moved to Globe, Ariz. in 1946 where she resided until 2010. She was a vibrant little lady with an infectious laugh who dearly loved her family, friends, her community and her church. She was of the thought that you are never too old to try new things and so at the age of 45, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to Cosmetology School. She was in the first graduating class at Rose Mar Beauty College in Globe. She opened her own beauty shop appropriately named “Willie’s Beauty Hut,” where she provided services for over 40 years—yes, she was in her late 80s—until her health began to decline. She was a generous woman who would give anyone in need a free cut and style, a place to stay, or a warm meal. She lost the love of her life, Johnny, in 1988. A few years after his death, she had a yearning to give more of herself to humanity and so decided, in her early 70s, to join the PeaceCorp. She was accepted after fulfilling the requirements. Much to the relief of her daughters, she had to decline her first assignment to the Ukraine due to rheumatoid arthritis. She was hoping to be sent to a warmer climate, but was never reassigned. This minor setback did not dissuade her desire to help people. In her mid-70s, she and fellow Croats from Chicago, whom she had never met, organized a trip to war torn Bosnia Herzegovina to provide food, clothing and money to people in need with the majority going to the children who had become orphaned due to the conflict. Once at home, she was finally content. In her 80s, Willie did get an itch to take dancing lessons and so attended several dance courses at the Community College. She had a blast with her fellow dancers, most of whom were half her age. She could tap or clog with the best of them! Her final years were spent in a loving home environment for memory and assisted living care known as A Family Affair owned by Edward and Myra Lonescu and in the caring hands of her hospice nurse, Steve, and caregivers Gaby and Alex. She now lovingly and patiently waits in heaven for her daughter Lisa, son-in-laws, Mike Katich and Sam Streichman. Her beloved grandchildren Jason Streichman, Courtney, and husband Martin Torres and her great-grandbaby Luna Torres, but the Lord willing, that won’t be for a very long time. Private Family Services have been arranged. In memory of Willie, donations should be made to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research, Hospice, Holy Angels Church/Convent or charity of choice.