Margot Mladinich, passed away on December 19, 2025, less than one month shy of her 103rd birthday. Although she was born in 1923, when Calvin Coolidge was President and Jack Dempsey was heavyweight champion, the family was shocked by her sudden physical and cognitive downturn over the past few months because of her remarkable resilience and heartiness.
Even when she surpassed 100 years old, she had the comportment of someone much younger. Born in Switzerland, she was a proud veteran of the US Navy. As a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), she served as a medical technician at the San Diego Naval Medical Center treating wounded sailors during World War II from 1944 to 1946.
She was married for 55 years to her beloved Leon, and was the mother of 2 sons and grandmother of 4. She was a longtime GEICO employee, as well as a Cub Scout den mother, inveterate Rummikub player, under the table dog feeder, wonderful mother in law, and a just a sweet loving and caring soul with ao devilish sense of humor. She had a gusto for living and eternal optimism and was an inspiration for how to live a long, fulfilling and enriching life.