Virginia "Gini" Ann Croghan

Virginia "Gini" Ann Serani Croghan, nee Czach, 85, of Carlsbad, California, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2013. Gini was born to the late Roy L. and late Audrey A. (Bixler) Czach on February 12, 1928, in Chicago, IL. She was united in marriage to Henry Joseph Serani on September 18, 1948 in Chicago. They were married for 20 years until his passing in 1968 left her a single Mom to raise 4 boys in Chicago. A few years later, Gini danced her way into the heart of John F. "Jack" Croghan. They were married on May 12, 1973 in Des Plaines, IL. They called Des Plaines home until relocating to Lake San Marcos, CA in the early 80's. Gini & Jack fell in love with California - especially the San Diego area with all the colorful flowers, gorgeous hills, beautiful foliage, and perfect weather - vowing never to return to the cold and snow of their Midwest birthplace. This was truly their happy place. After Jack's passing in 2002, Gini moved to Carlsbad, CA where she resided until her death. Gini was busy raising four beautiful sons along with working in the Chicago area at Montgomery Wards in the 1950's, Neill Cartage in accounting from 1962 to 1966 and Time-Life as a supervisor of the key punch department from 1966 to 1973. She retired from the workforce at that time. A true socializer, Gini was loved by all. She was the life of the party, excelling at social event planning and hosting parties. In the midst of her heavy social schedule, Gini earned a B.S. in Psychology from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Dancing, gin rummy, traveling, Jeopardy, and margaritas were passions in Gini's busy life. She was active in her Investment Club, loved playing golf, and was a Past President of the Lake San Marcos Women's Golf Club. Cooking was a passion of Gini's, inspiring her to create a Family Cookbook compiled of many beloved recipes from family and friends. It is a treasured and lasting memory for her family. Gini is survived by her children, Scott (Jill) Serani of Broomfield, CO; Marc (Peg) Serani of Baxter, MN; and Dale (Carol) Serani of South Elgin, IL; step-daughter Barb (Greg) Schavey of Chicago, IL; step-son Steve (Dale) Croghan of Schaumburg, IL; sibling, Jean Neill of Oakbrook, IL; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Henry and Jack; son, Brad Serani of Brainerd, MN; siblings Jim, Roy, Jr. and Eileen. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 4, 2013 at Old Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057 (760-757-3651). A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. and Interment will follow immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or by phone: 800-272-3900. Online donations can be made at the link to the left of this Obituary.

Virginia "Gini" Ann Croghan

February 12, 1928 - February 20, 2013