Millie Andrea (Lovrovich) Tropiano

Obituary Millie Tropiano was born on August 15, 1922 in Gig Harbor to John and Dumica Lovrovich. On November 17, 2016 she went home to our Heavenly Father. Mom came from a large family with one sister and six brothers. They were one of the first Slavonian commercial fishing families to settle in Gig Harbor. Growing up, mom enjoyed picnics on her dad's purse seiner, playing accordion, and being with her beloved chow, Ming. After graduating school, she went on to hold various jobs. While working in Tacoma, she met our dad, Jack Tropiano, through a mutual friend. They were married in Gig Harbor at St. Nicholas Church on May 3, 1952. One by one they added 4 bundles of joy to their family while she continued to work. She learned the ethic of working hard from her mother. Mom was a homemaker with a career, which was not that popular for a married woman in the 50's and early 60's. She would get up early, get herself and her kids ready, make breakfast and then head to work as we went off to school. After getting home from work and making dinner, she proceeded to clean, do laundry and ironing, along with planning the lunches and dinner for the next day. Our home was always spotless and we had a home cooked meal every night. After retiring from sales and not one to sit, she helped her sons in the restaurant business. When her grandchildren were school age, she would sometimes take them for bowling and burgers after school. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Mom was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, and nana. She loved being with her family. She especially loved all the various holidays because it meant we would all gather together. Playing pinochle with her friends every week and going out to lunch were highlights in her day. Our mom's legacy is her devotion to her family and her example to love and care for each other. She is survived by daughter, Colette (Charles) Kaperick; sons, Jack (Debby) Tropiano and Jeffrey Tropiano; grandchildren, Caris Berry (Matthew) Peterson, Matthew (Tricia) Berry, Vincent Tropiano, and Mario Tropiano; five great-grandchildren; brother, Nick Lovrovich; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Jack and daughter Paulette. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to The Tacoma Rescue Mission. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.