Annie Chachich, age 94, of Waterford, Michigan passed away on October 28, 2026.

Born May 21, 1932 in Detroit to immigrant parents from Croatia, she excelled in school. She qualified for the High School of Commerce (Cass Tech’s counterpart for females) graduating at age 16. She took two city buses to get to the prestigious school where she loved becoming a fast typist (120 wpm) and learning shorthand.

Although offered a full college scholarship, Annie entered the workforce as a secretary for a law firm. She was proud of her work ethic and loved her secretarial jobs. Over the years she worked for several organizations, including General Finance Company, Victor Adding Machine, Hazel Park High School, and the Waterford School District. Her final job was as Library Aide at the Waterford Township Public Library, from where she retired after 25 years of service.

Annie (née Chuncich) and Louis Chachich met in a Croatian youth group, soon becoming engaged and marrying in 1952.They moved to Chicago for two years before returning to Detroit to start their family.

In 1968, they moved to Waterford, Michigan, where Annie was happy to be a stay-at-home mom for eight years before reentering the workforce. She was an organic gardener long before most people had heard of organic food. She was passionate about education and fostered a love of learning in her children.

Annie had a deep and abiding faith in God and saw miracles in many of her life’s events. After searching for a spiritual home for many years, she found it in the Lutheran church. She was a long-time member of Christ of the Lakes Lutheran Church and then Christ Lutheran Church of Waterford.

A member of the Waterford Garden Club, the Oakland County Democrats, and church social ministry, Annie enjoyed fellowship and volunteer work.

She and Louis had the good fortune to be able to take a few once-in-a-lifetime trips. They visited their daughter and son-in-law in Germany, taking a side trip to Paris. They visited their youngest son in Japan.

Annie and Louis made an epic family road trip to Seattle via Montana. Other U.S. travel included a family vacation to New England. Later, they often visited their children wherever they were living at the time including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maryland.

After Louis died, Annie visited her daughter’s family in England, with additional trips to Wales and Ireland. She made it to Croatia twice, first on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and later a family trip with her children, two grandchildren, and nephew. She was able to visit her parents’ hometown (Selo Kucě) and connect with distant relatives. As the only Croatian speaker, she was invaluable in communicating with relatives, waiters, and lodging hosts.

Annie is survived by her children Alan Chachich (Karen Kilcup), Paula (Michael) Shepherd, Michael (Michiyo) Chachich, and grandchildren Christopher, Lauren, Lukas, and Jaden, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Louis Chachich, her parents John and Mary (née Fabijancic) Chuncich, and sisters Katy Chuncich and Barbara Ruppe.

An avid reader, Annie fed her intellectual curiosity with books of every type, from politics, health, science, and gardening, to spirituality. She loved books and brought home many that were destined for disposal. Usually a homebody, she rallied to lead for causes she believed in. Serious about the serious matters in life, she also had a great sense of humor, able to laugh at herself and respond in kind. Most important though, were the people in her life, especially family. Annie will be remembered most by those who knew her for her warmth, sincerity, passion, generosity, and the positive contributions she made to their lives. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Coat's Funeral home of Waterford. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, November 1st 2026 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at 3141 Sashabaw Rd. Waterford, Michigan 48329. Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church on Monday November 2nd, 2026 at 11:00am with instate at 10:00am at 5987 Williams Lake Rd. Waterford, Michigan 48329. Burial to follow services at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.