Antoinette Griffin Lukrich

Antoinette Griffin Lukrich, a lifelong resident of Watsonville, passed away suddenly and peacefully on February 25, 2025 at the age of 93. She was born on November 22, 1931, to Rhene and Anton Balich, pioneer Pajaro Valley apple farmers. She attended local public schools and was a proud member of the WHS Class of ’49. Antoinette went on to graduate from Armstrong Business College in Berkeley. While in Berkeley, she met Jerry Griffin, a Cal student. He followed her to Watsonville where they married, farmed the family orchards, and started a family. A few years after Jerry’s death, she wed John Lukrich. She and John enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, until his passing.

Antoinette leaves behind her two children, Craig Griffin (Linda) and Janice House (Stan), five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, a large extended family and many friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Antoinette’s compassionate and dedicated caregivers.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pajaro Valley Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the Watsonville Women’s Club.

Antoinette cherished her Croatian heritage and her involvement in Pajaro Valley agriculture. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Ag History Project, the Pajaro Valley Historical Association, or the Slavic American Cultural Organization (SACO).